Obiter's recent profiles of solicitors who have chosen to work well beyond the usual retirement age have prompted Peter Skinnard of Cornish firm Blight Broad & Skinnard to get in touch.


He is still in practice at the age of 76, having been admitted in 1952. Twelve years ago, his wife wrote the following short poem - called 'The Senior Partner' - for him.



'I wonder why this man looks cold and grey

Has it always been this way

The firm he helped build has been his all

Now the years have taken their toll

He was a bit of a lad in his day I've heard

A proper charmer, good with a word

A cricket and tennis player of some note

An eye for the ladies on whom he does dote

But working with brain, eyes keenly trained

Not much joy is there to be gained

If only he would step off the treadmill of life

Walk the moors, feel the wind like a knife

But he is a man whom the law has in its grasp

Which will drag him down to his last gasp

Listen to me, oh eminence grise

Someone else can earn the fees

There is joy to be found with those you hold

dear

Delay, and the years will be full of tears.'



Provincial legal life has been interesting, Mr Skinnard reports, and 'despite her gloom', he and his wife are still happily together.