On One I Did Meet Poem by Francis Duggan

He said that he had crook legs for many years
And he did sound that he did have a few beers
His speech was slightly slurred that's how i knew
That in the nearby pub he'd had a few.

He told me how his brother had died last year
And by his account he had shed many a tear
For one who in his sleep did quietly pass away
For his funeral he was the one who did pay.

His brother a stranger to success and fame
Had died without a penny to his name
Quite poor and healthwise he was not feeling well
To pay for his burial his own boat he had to sell.

He walked with a limp he said his knees cause him great pain
A lifetime problem from playing football he did gain
When he was younger four decades ago
The years on him beginning for to show.

When he had said all he had wished to say
On parting he wished me a happy day
I watched as he went limping up the street
For he is one i never more may meet.