Michael

Michael
(The Man in the Park)

"Michael, Are you happy where you are?
no home, no family, no companion, no car."
On the steps near the Pavilion, you sit in the park,
or on an oil can with a cushion, until the night appears dark.
Off to the soup kitchen, you go to eat and sleep,
then up and out in the morning, week after week.
Once for the brewery, I was told you was a rep,
played hockey for England, with I'm sure no regret.
As batter number 5, you also played cricket,
top score of 99, you kept the ball from the wicket.
You wrote to the council and praised the lads well,
for the work in the park, the place that you dwell.
You sit and drink cider, red wine through the day,
I've been told your well spoken, "What can I say."
You would love to go to Ireland, but as yet never been,
only pictures of beauty, I of Ireland have seen.
You have married 3 times within your past,
if it doesn't work out, you can't expect it to last.
Spending summer months in the park, the smells of a freshly cut
lawn,
but in winter Michael, "Where do you go to keep warm?"
While working away in the days of the week,
to the lads and to Johnny, you often sit and speak.
Of memories you hold so dear to your heart,
until the day once again, turns from light to dark.
Johnny has told me so much about you,
the man in the park with little to do.