Pete Stratford

Tommy

He’d be sitting there upon the seat

on all but the worst of winter days

with a smile and friendly greeting

to all who passed by on their way.

Tommy had a word with everyone

to him all folk were just the same

he was blind to social status

and addressed all he knew by name.

All and sundry called him Tommy

and he would happily respond

from that seat out on the footpath

where it seemed he just belonged.

It was said he had no other family

for none on him laid a claim

He was living in a group home

with some others much the same.

Yet this gentle soul, so cheerful,

was loved by one and all

and though quite short in stature

he had a spirit ten feet tall.

To the very young and not so young,

to the rich and to all others,

he was a friend to everyone,

brothers, sisters, dads, grandmothers.

So that all who passed beside his seat

were warmed by his bonhomie,

a valued gift to his community

was this simple man whom all called Tommy.

© Pete Stratford 15.8.12