Riff On A Jack Growden Poem 'Lament' Poem by David McLansky

The attendance at his funeral
Came as some surprise;
He was more popular than we had thought
The Deacon had surmised;

This simple man of dignity
Delivered hot meals to the poor;
Embarrassed by their gratitude
He stood shyly at their door;

At first report of fire
He rushed bravely to the scene
A dog that had expired
He gave mouth-to-mouth it seems.

He served hot meals to the homeless
On Christmas and Thanksgiving;
He preferred to remain anonymous
While others praised the living;

What a loss to the community
He was the human glue
That cemented all our lives
A good heart tried and true.