I played guitar
in a band that bore his name
but did not recognise him
when he spoke to me
through a car window

like a blues brothers’ rawhide
we replayed our repertoire
joined each time by Giles
for his song of entertainment
that a man named Paul inspired

I felt embarrassed
a make-shift car park attendant
the special college day
who blank-faced the arriving
VIP

that was my experience
of Robert Runcie
tank commander and archbishop
so much taller
in real life

did I channel that into the band?
did my rhythm guitar
signal loss of face?
awkwardness came
naturally.

I allude to it sporadically
the band that is
for effect
“The Rob Runcie Experience?!!?” Really!??!
my momentary encounter I try to forget

copyright a shyvicar April 2020