Hilarity - This Was Their Forte Poem by Mark Heathcote

Laurel and Hardy were like family.
Laurel would refer to their business partnership.
As a ``marriage'' of sorts, perhaps grouchily
As an enterprise of love and comedy
One of a deepening affection and friendship.

They honestly preferred each other's company-
To that of even their on-screen wives
And even shared a bed on stage sulkily.
And even had the brazen effrontery
To dress in drag, nothing -here to analyse.

It was their brand of slapstick comedy.
In the topically named movie, That's My Wife
Laurel affectionately called Hardy, Bade reportedly
Because his barber would rub talcum powder
On his face and -says, 'That's nice - a baby! It typifies

The never-ending joviality that surrounded them.
Hardy first -did his signature 'tie twiddle' gesture.
In the 1927 film 'Sailors, giving his look of contempt
Sometimes it's hard to say goodbye; it was to them.
The likes of these two loveable jesters

'D'oh! ' sadly we'll never see the likes of it again.
They filled our hearts with joy and much laughter.
Hilarity - this was their forte.
Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.
All the mirth of collapsing beds, falling rafters and plaster
Every aspect was as emblematic as their two bowler hats.