Graham Stewart

Joan’s Journey

There was a place near Curries Fount

Where students did convene

It was there I met the Joan we know

A communication queen.

Kogi, Mala, Krish and Bob

Sublime and silly too

Your students never missed a chance

To do an oral or two.

Developing staff with all our might

Was our next set of tricks

We TLA’d to learn our trade

But derriere knocked a six.

Joan grew her brain with that man Jousse

And opened many a mind

It wasn’t just a change of pace

But a brand new paradigm.

Like a fairy with her wand

My thesis she did bless

A networked brain and seven questions

Took away my stress.

ML Sultan, DIT and DUT

Each tag has had its day

But your bequest to the ones who’re left

Is to grow and build and play.

Your students know they can aspire

To greatness in their work

Isithakazelo might

Of unexpected worth.

SESTHUTHE entered all our lives

It’s turned our research round

And it will grow from strength to strength

For you’ve left fertile ground.

Striving Ivan, cooking Koags

In Snagen’s icy grip

And the tender hands of John and Jane

Were all part of the trip.

We’ll miss you when we meet and talk

A quiet will descend

Robust defences of oral worth

Will remind us of a friend.

All the best

Graham