Homeless Friend Poem by Richard Wlodarski

Homeless Friend

No smell of alcohol
No strong body odour
Long cleanly washed hair
Smart clothes and well pressed
Impressive English
The odd word was lost
Then suddenly found
University
Hadn't prepared me
For his life's lessons
I missed the streetcars
Deliberately
Engaged in his talk
Looney for loony
Some thought he was such
But many listened
To his rich stories
Learned from their lessons
Collected their thoughts
On his sudden death
Paid tribute to him
Celebrating Life

Richard Wlodarski (c) 2026