The Suspect

Mostly seen in Callenders Gardens

Fully clothed in body not in mind,

More than a little crazy

Should not approach at any time.

Frequents the Lodge Road district

Usually on Sundays

But also on Wednesdays and Fridays

He is occasionally swayed.

Not anywhere near six feet

So you know he is not tall

But in this he sees a consolation

He doesn’t have far to fall.

No distinguishing features

Except for a mark in his head,

Concerning the cause of this

Nothing more will be said.

Currently he is unemployed

But that is not all

Probably outlasted his usefulness 

But that is only my call.

Notwithstanding the above 

He still has three bosses,

However they provide him shelter

So he is able to ignore his losses.

Doubly armed and dangerous

Though mostly to himself,

Not known to the criminal court

But short on mental health.

Spent many years in school

In fact more than five decades,

Most of it while wearing spectacles

And in need of a hearing aid.

Possessed such love for children

That he himself never grew up,

Still behaves in a childish manner

And like them always interrupts.

  

Likes attracting attention

That’s another childish antic

And like children he doesn’t stop there

But adores in playing tricks.

Be very careful with him

He likes to twist your words

And when he has finished with you

You’re trapped in his crazy world.

He pretends at most things he does

For clearly there’s a struggle

And the reports from all on him

Determined that he is trouble.

His talents are many and varied

But nothing to shout about,

He dabbles in mostly everything

And fancy words he spouts.

He likes to flatter people

Hence he uses these words

But most can see right through him

And know he is disturbed.

He is in dire need of help

Particularly the psychiatric kind,

Just a cursory glance at him

Will show he is out of his mind.

He could be tricky with it though

Like most mad people are

And if you’re not on top your game

He’ll outsmart you by far.

He’ll have you eating from his hand

You’ll want to be his friend

But you can never tell with him

How it will turn out in the end.

If it were up to me 

I wouldn’t trust him one little bit,

That boy is smart

And he doesn’t miss a trick.

He has a good heart though

And only he would know that,

I know him personally

And I tell you that is a fact.

So whatever his short comings

And there are many

Be gentle with him, please

Don’t treat him like a public enemy.

Not one of us can change him

Only the good Lord can,

Remember that for the worst of us

God still has a plan.

If you should see this suspect

Do not confront him alone,

Ensure that you are with company

Or simply use your cell phone.

Get in touch with his bosses

I will give you their numbers offline

But do not try to apprehend him

He’s dangerous all the time.

Some have tangled with him

And they were not the same

But the interesting thing they noted

Was that he remained insane.

Take note of the sketch above

Your sanity might depend on it,

He is not easy to apprehend

Escaping is his habit.

Last seen writing a poem

And pretending to be a poet,

He answers to the name of Trouble

But he is certainly not a pet.

Stewart Russell © May 2018