He Seemed A Nice Old Fellow Poem by Francis Duggan

He was not intoxicated though he walked on unsteady feet
He did look a bit fragile as he shuffled down the street
He did look more than eighty the years had left him gray
And it was very obvious he had known a better day.

He seemed a nice old fellow with warmth in his hello
The gentle sort of person one would like to better know
But I was in a hurry with someone for to meet
And time does not wait for anyone the clock I had to beat.

I said hello in passing he smiled and looked my way
He looked wise and very happy and he wished me a good day
I feel sure he would have chatted if to stop for a chat I had the time
He is the inspiration of this rather slipshod rhyme.

An elderly person I did not know our meeting was by chance
And perhaps I'd have got to know him better except for circumstance
I did have an appointment for which I was running late
And the clock keeps ever ticking and time on none does wait.