Stinky Joe

I saw this crazy man

Walking down the main street

He’s been called Stinky Joe

But his name once was Pete

 

The flies they buzz ‘round him

Like a thunderstorm cloud

He talks in a whisper

Or else shouts really loud

 

He shuffles dirty feet

Over steamy cement

With his hair hanging down

And his back always bent

 

He once was a hero

Or that’s what some folks say

He once had a family

‘til that one fateful day

 

A war came a callin’

And it took them away

And left Pete all alone

And so now to this day

 

He walks and he mumbles

Through rain and through heat

In a world all his own

All alone on the street

Reviews

[Brown Bull]

Not all of us would notice, and I am pleased that you have. I met an old man once "shuffling in old worn shoes" and after I talked to him for a while I wrote a very similar poem about the experience.
When you say hello to Pete, tell him you know an old veteran who sent him a greeting.

BB