17 February 1959.. Insignificant? Meaningless? If they're your thoughts, that's fine.

But King's College Hospital in London claimed the prize, for the arrival of a baby boy, who's life was set to rise; to the level of phenomenon: "The Yellow Pages of crime". "The peoples' villain"... "The Bermondsey Boy" , he's stood the test of time.

The man I introduce to you is certainly no saint, and a villain he may well be, but bullisome he aint. His even handed fairness, of courtesy and comedy, are traits of his rèpertoire, and facets of authority. He's known for his dexterity, to laugh and talk and think. Then draw upon conclusions, before you even blink.

So now you know his aka's, there's something else to say, of his crimes linked to the underworld and Ron and Reggie Kray.

He has a noted affinity for anecdotal charm. A spellbinding ability to hold you in his palm. Charisma in abundance. Flash with self-belief. A trade mark diamond duster, ensures his lecture's brief.

But every inch a gentleman. Quick witted repartee. He dances well by all accounts, and gives to charity. So just retrieve what you want to believe, and if you doubt you wont. It's all the same to Dave as to whether you do or you don't. He'd say be yourself and play it shrewd. Ensure you know what's what. Find your usefulness and truthfulness and don't be what you're not.

He built an brand based on self, and what was good for him. A lavish lifestyle brimming wealth, prosperity and sin. He'd walk a tightrope blindfold, and backwards if required, if he thought it helped his cause, to get what he desired.

He walked in the valley of the shadow of death, and chose to stop the ride,
with timing so impeccable, it stole your breath inside. Make no mistake this man's not famous, nor his judgement clouded, in his world that never stops, with rumours ever shrouded, in infamy, and self-indulgent ways to find his fun, along with accusations of crimes he's never done.

A legend of cult status: FACT. A man who's word's his bond. Has friend he's never even met, and foes he's never wronged.

Base camp one, that's central office. That's where all debts are paid. Respects and dues and interviews, where books and films are made. He loves a challenge. Has the fight. Knows when to pull the aces. He'll plan to pull-off what is right, and never leave the traces.

Work's not really nine to five, it's more of if he needs it. It's more of if it pays the bills, that's really how he sees it. Don't bother him, he wont bother you, it's simple and straight forward. But bight off more that you can chew, and then you'll find it awkward.

Don't turn up with your begging bowl, expecting sound advice, then strutt-off boasting to the world that you plan to pull a heist. Three wise monkeys that's the rule, he'll see it in your eyes. But try to take him for a fool; that wouldn't be so wise. See fools don't prosper, nor do cheats, and nor if you're a snide, in his world that never sleeps, there's no place you can hide.

He'll track you like a sniffer dog. You'll never get away. No matter how you are at running, he'll catch you up one day. So when he does, remember me, for what I have to say:

"Told you so. You wouldn't listen. Now there's Hell to pay"!

Don't argue with him either. Another big mistake. He don't like yes-sir, no-sir's, and despises those who fake. He wont have plastic gangsters claiming mission is complete, who later turn up crying, that they just can't take the heat.

Don't flap with pigeons if you want to sore with the Eagle. To sum it up.. Dave's life is nothing short of regal.

King of Camelot Castle. Chief knight of his own "Round-Table". Designer mural on his house; nuff-said, no fear or fable. This devout epicurean with epigramic rhyme, is not at all ephemeral; he's stood the test of time.

Flash, bling, cigar in hand, 'Audience Withs' and books. TV, films and radio slots, and some say film star looks. A greater friend you couldn't want. An enemy you don't need. Few men see his softer side, but many take his lead.

He said that he's retired from his world of cut and thrust. Which didn't mean he'd ever run from what is right or just. It merely states a fact that the antithesis is true. He's claimed his place in life at last. He's found a better view.

So don't pre-judge. Don't misconstrue a man who's always courtly. Don't vilify with ignorance, the legend that's..

Dave Courtney!


17 Feb 1959 ~ 22 Oct 2023

► 23,625 days
► 567,000 hours
► 34,020,000 minutes
► 2,041,200,000 seconds


"Paul. Dave would have loved your tribute poem. So well put together with words which touch the spirit going forward, saying maybe we can't see Dave, but he is still with us. Regards Chris."

Chris Lambrianou


Note:
Although the title of this work has been changed since Dave's passing, the wording and structure nevertheless remain the same. Written 19 years before Dave's death.


© Paul Topliff