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

Anthony: Just Simply Anthony

He came and joined us, even worked among us,

Apparently shy at first, not with any great fuss,

We noted his willingness, his preferred humility

And saw unmistakably Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Service at its best was his earnest quest

Even menial tasks were always given his best;

Befriending one and all even in difficulty

That is Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We marveled at his penchant for the culinary skill

Devoured his delightful dishes produced at will,

Wondered at his simplicity and amazing ability

We talkin’ ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

There is many an Anthony and I hear your claim

“But de fellow we talkin’ ‘bout, Hunte is his name;

With him there is no chance of mistaken identity

Cause this is ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

He could preach and pray and sing a little too

He is a good role model for our youth, that’s true,

But what stands out for me is his simplicity

Even in discussion it’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We watched this young man from the time he came

At Lodge Road he was serious; this was not a game,

Walking with young and old in the spirit of unity

His endeavour: ‘tis Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His voice is unmistakable and so is his gait

He is regular in attendance and seldom if ever late;

He is a man of dignity and exemplary integrity

All this is about Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His years at Lodge Road were several and blessed

Participating in many ministries and giving his best;

Displaying a workman spirit with immense vitality

This is our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We remember his humour, his wit and his smile

A comforting word to cheer many a weary mile,

Always uplifting, assuring in his dependability

We could rely on Anthony, just simply Anthony.

“I’ll tell yuh something” is his inimitable style,

To interject a remark after listening for a while;

He does it with such aplomb and intensity

You can’t ignore he’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Well nothing lasts forever, not in the here and now

Wish we could find a way to keep you here somehow

But your love doth beckon you to come immediately

Hasten to her; you’re Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We bid you ‘bon voyage’ but hope to see you again

You’ve been a good brother in sunshine and in rain,

Our prayers will accompany you in all our sincerity

For you are still our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Stewart Russell © 2011