I first saw him
When I was about seven years old
He was the first homeless person
I ever saw.
Back then
They were referred to as
“Bums”
Though a bum
He was well respected
He was a gentle big burley man
Wore a beard
And the dirtiest clothing
Imaginable.
Reminded me of Popeye’s bully
What was his name???
Underneath the dirty greasy film
That coated his face
Hands and clothing
Believe it or not
Was a handsome man.
He was affection ally known as
“Goyito” (Little Goya)
After Goya
The famous Spanish painter
Folklore had it
That he was once a painter himself
Some say he was a “Cop” at one time.
Then there was a more believable
Assumption
That his one time beautiful wife
Drove him to drinking
After she ran away
With another local man.
Now that I am of “age”
I look back
My personal opinion
Is that no one really knew
The real story behind Goyito.
I know one fact for sure
I never saw him eating
From garbage cans
The neighborhood’s people
Fed him
I saw more of him
As I aged into my teens
He would accept food
From others
But always refused
Accommodations.
In the old days
Of tenement flats
Each building had it’s
Own Supers
That’s what we called the live in
Maintenance men
Some used to leave their basement
Door opened
Leading to the boiler room
So Guyito
Would be able to sneak in
From the deadly cold nights
Of old man Winter.
Which eventually
Was his demise
He drank a little too much wine
One cold winter night
And passed out
The following morning
A local super
Discovered his frozen body
In an alleyway.
That day the whole Neighborhood
Known as Spanish Harlem
Mourned Goyito
Back then, when I was a teen.
A sad write .. There are so many homeless who hide themselves in these trying times. Its not often we know their true story..........M
Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)
Reviewed on August 3, 2007
Great writing,enjoyed...Hugsssssssssss
Reviewed by twinklewrites at her desk (Reader)
Reviewed on August 2, 2007
Bluto was his name. Loved the read William, so sad. Some bums are
sweethearts. Great write...Hugs, Peggy
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on August 2, 2007
Popeye's bully is Bluto I think.
Great story William
Must of been the Mad Dog 20/20
Many of the homeless have died because of the booze
I imagine.
Enjoyed!
William, such a sad writing, I've often wondered about the homeless and what happened in their lives to cause them to roam. It's so sad to see them sleeping on street grates, park benches, snuggled in the corner of a building, etc., it makes my heart hurt. Thanks for sharing such a nice writing...it's so sad because most of them won't live any other way. I found this heart rendering.
A wonderful tribute to the homeless and I am sure there are a lot of generous people out there in this world willing to help in some small way. Thank you for sharing William.
God bless Goyito, and others like him! More people need to help our homeless brothers and sisters, and also our veterans, the elderly, and the disabled!!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on August 2, 2007
What a tribute to a man who most probably considered insignifacant. Yet I am glad he received help. Shows there is still some good in this world. Victor
Bluto, it is the name of Popeye's bully.
But I am sure Goyito hadn't a bad bone in his skeleton God bless him.
In my younger days, it was two classes of homeless, the ones wandering the streets with hiding life tragedies under the ragged coats and the hobos, taking their homelessness onboard cargo trains, always trying to escape their life tragedies by traveling, running away, but in reality, just dragging them after themselves.
An Ode to Goyito gives a tribute and some respect to a man which didn't get any when he was alive.
I was humbled by the story in your poem.
Georg
Moving story, William. We never know what will inspire us to write a poem. But, Goyito is now immortal. What more could his soul ask than to be remembered in such a poignant way. His spirit smiles because of your words. He now has "eternal life."
In the Whirlwind is a poetic storm that frees history from the cages of corruption and puts it in the hands of everyday people. Words are weaved into a new fashion statement that has nothing to do with runways but everything to do with projects!
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sweethearts. Great write...Hugs, Peggy
Great story William
Must of been the Mad Dog 20/20
Many of the homeless have died because of the booze
I imagine.
Enjoyed!
Rose
Love Tinka
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
But I am sure Goyito hadn't a bad bone in his skeleton God bless him.
In my younger days, it was two classes of homeless, the ones wandering the streets with hiding life tragedies under the ragged coats and the hobos, taking their homelessness onboard cargo trains, always trying to escape their life tragedies by traveling, running away, but in reality, just dragging them after themselves.
An Ode to Goyito gives a tribute and some respect to a man which didn't get any when he was alive.
I was humbled by the story in your poem.
Georg
Peace,
Dan
Every time I see a homeless person
My heart fills with emotions
Than I take a good look around me
and feel like a fool for complaining!
And wish I could help all of them but as
You know that's imposable so all I can do
As pray for theme!!
Excellent poetic thoughts!!
Love Peace and Joy many Hugssss to you...Yolie