Yesterday we learned that George passed away
It bought back memories of the Hakoa Club
And schnitzel and chips for dinner
Coffee at the Belaroma and that place in Bondi
Dinner at his mum’s Jewish care home
The place where I first got drunk (by accident)
Downing the sweet manischewitz
Which was supposed to be non-alcoholic
But wasn’t
The place where I asked George to dance
And he carefully said we couldn’t
Because there were Orthodox Jews in the room
And we might upset them
A man and a woman (a child) dancing together
That warm and kind and generous soul
Whom we once accidentally called Dad
And he didn’t seem to mind at all

Tonight on my way home
I stumbled past Holy Schnitzel
I’d already had dinner but felt like a snack
So I got a side of fries
(In my reminiscing, I was wondering why they didn’t have hot chips on the menu
Still translating after almost 13 years away)
The chips were delicious
I’ll have to go back for the schnitzel
I bet it’s not as good
There’s no Alex the Kid
The grown ups won’t be talking at the table while we play

I’m sad I didn’t get to say goodbye
That I missed you by a week
Thank you for being such a good man
For all the care you took
For your generosity
Your kindness
Your warmth
You will be missed