It is strange how a number often becomes a part of your life
It can influence you, your children and your wife.
I saw it first as a child, it was way back when
The number on our letterbox was a shiny big ten.
I learned of the Ten Commandments, the laws of life,
Of the ten wise virgins staying out of strife.
We are asked to tithe a tenth of our wage,
Ten cents or ten dollars, only God can guage.
I wore that number on my back at football
My basketball singlet had that number and all.
Ten is a number I always pick for gold lotto,
Stick with number ten is always my motto.
Ten o’clock Mass that Sunday in eighty-two
A new priest was coming who, we hadn’t a clue.
From Corinda a parish South of the river
Would come our new preacher, our faith to deliver.
Fr Brian was with us for 10 years and a bit
Before it became his turn to quit.
He taught us to love no matter what our age,
For us he became a 10 on our gauge.
He was a large, happy man who smiled quite a lot
Was slow but sincere, definitely not a big shot.
Had a deep faith which he showed to us all
Attended all our parties, we all had a ball.
Our ‘gentle giant’, liked his tea in a mug
Each time you met him you’d get a hug.
His tight embrace and his willingness to share
Was his way of giving each a special prayer.
For us it was a period of family effervescence,
The kids were growing through adolescence.
His wisdom gave us courage as we sagged in morale
He pointed to Jesus and how to love unconditional.
As I survey the canvas of my life
The good times, the bad, the fun and the strife,
There is a light that shines out among all men
It’s our Fr Brian, he is up there at number ten.
I’m Peter Mack and that’s how it is.