<p class="ql-block">I met Prof. David Parker, a ‘humanistic and creative chemist’, in mid-July in Hong Kong, and I was fascinated by his humanity, scientifically creative mind, and his poems …</p> <p class="ql-block">I Walked Through Time</p><p class="ql-block">By David Parker</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Past cars and buses that cough and splutter</p><p class="ql-block">Through rain and snow, in morning sunshine</p><p class="ql-block">I gazed to the sky,</p><p class="ql-block">Never down at the gutter,</p><p class="ql-block">For forty years,</p><p class="ql-block">These paths were mine.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Mellow smiles visited my face,</p><p class="ql-block">Moving with purpose, imagination set free,</p><p class="ql-block">Not once did I saunter,</p><p class="ql-block">Not once did I race,</p><p class="ql-block">A cheerful walk</p><p class="ql-block">For all to see.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">A journey to work through decades of time,</p><p class="ql-block">Composing thoughts, creating dreams,</p><p class="ql-block">Across the river the bells would chime,</p><p class="ql-block">Calling me home</p><p class="ql-block">To lead my teams.</p><p class="ql-block">I was the captain of my career,</p><p class="ql-block">My masters duty and humility,</p><p class="ql-block">Here I stand, my mind is clear,</p><p class="ql-block">To live with grace</p><p class="ql-block">In peace and tranquillity.</p> <p class="ql-block">Read by Marc Xu, Associate Professor of Linguistics and English Language at Monash University in Melbourne, and Associate Editor of English Today (Cambridge University Press).</p>