Dedicated to the memory of Joel Whitey Radtke. One of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Joel was his given. Whitey his name.
Hippie years and Hell’s Angel antics
could be seen throughout 6 feet of pain.
Joel’s albino like mane was always clean
though yellowed from 30 street years.
His pop bottle eyes were more than street wise
expressing love with a strong helping hand.
He was a gentle contradiction, once a hard running man.
But when I met him, he had a soft Jesus grin
and the peace of a strong inner man.
Life on the street and mission preached meals,
were received as heavenly blessed.
No matter what came his way, from day to day
Joel managed to pass the test.
Joel died not long ago. His organs unable to stand.
Now many miss him, but we know from his grin,
that he rests in a kind master’s hand.
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Reviews of "His Grin"
Reviewed by Fletcher Bailey (Reader)
Reviewed on May 19, 2004
A beautiful tribute from a sent freindship...They say that we are rich by our friends, your poem reinforces just that...really excellent...Fletcher B
These words fill my soul with smiles of a man ("Joel") whom I didn't no naturally, but the way you manage to unfold his personality, his deepest character, well Lori, it feels as though Joel passed in front of my doorway, stopping in for a brief, but sacred second. I can see his yellow mane whispering about God's heavenly winds. I especially see the grin that he left on your face, for your well penned words tells me so. Excellent tribute! A fine exhaltation of love!
Keep connecting,
Marion
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on May 16, 2004
Beautiful tribute, reveals your heart too...
Reviewed by Floria Kelderhouse (Reader)
Reviewed on May 16, 2004
Wonderfu Lori to remember his grin...
He is still grinning at you from
ear to ear for this touching tribute..
well done...floria
Lori, you have such a compassionate soul! This is outstanding!
a unique tribute for a unique friend! Very special, a real gem!
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on May 16, 2004
Hey! Whadda epilogue to one of a cast of thousands, nay millions, who pass through this life with a lot of wisdom stored and a lot of mischief remembered. I loved it. I would imagine Joel is grinning right about now.
It is the soul of those such as Joel who touch us most deeply and are remembered for who they are and how they touched our lives and hearts. You've been blessed knowing that you'll always carry his grin within you.
Lori, there's many strengths to be gathered from one's smiles and eyes. Those that we give the chance to touch our hearts will always be felt through the years.
This is a great tribute to one that you allowed to touch. Lisa
There was /is an old hippieism Lori, "look at the driftwood, the more it has sloshed around in the tide, the more it has to tell you." I think you have captured the essence of that here in seeing beyond the visual aspect of Joel.
Well written.
Ian
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful poem and great friend. He wears his "Grin" to leave because he knows he has accomplished his mission. Enjoyed this write indeed.
This is just so bittersweet, Lori, and, although an outlet for the need to grieve and mourn the loss of this dear one, it is more a glowing tribute to his life and legacy, leaving behind as he does a beautiful footprint to follow and his spiritual essence to cherish. We can ask for nothing more than that our lives make an impact for the good on the lives and minds of others - often pointing not to ourselves, hopefully, but to the inner light that nurtures and inspires us. And yes, I feel fully assured that he has just passed through a new door, going from glory to glory... no wonder he grins!! Bless you for this, Kate xx
"His Grin" tells the story of a man that diffused kindness and preached love through the silent light. His mission has been accomplished as we can read here.
This is a sounding touching and inspiring testimony of love.
On this fifty-sixth day of Spring I Salute You, Sublime Poet!
I lost a dear friend..not knowing him long..but a free spirit child on Friday night in a car crash!! It's not nice I can tell!! My heart bleed for his family.....he was only 30 years old...he played and bred lions and all kinda
Big Five" animals....always thought he might get killed that way .....but no.....god knew better not to take him that way....he's love for animals and nature was way to precious!!
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Very well done.....ty, Dani
Keep connecting,
Marion
He is still grinning at you from
ear to ear for this touching tribute..
well done...floria
a unique tribute for a unique friend! Very special, a real gem!
TEAR'S, Your Friend,TRASK
Wonderful write, Lori.
This is a great tribute to one that you allowed to touch. Lisa
Well written.
Ian
Well written, heartfelt tribute, Lori.
Carmen :-)
~ Sandie Angel a.k.a. May Lu ~
This is a sounding touching and inspiring testimony of love.
On this fifty-sixth day of Spring I Salute You, Sublime Poet!
Healthy Happy Sunday Day!
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
May He rest in peace!!
I lost a dear friend..not knowing him long..but a free spirit child on Friday night in a car crash!! It's not nice I can tell!! My heart bleed for his family.....he was only 30 years old...he played and bred lions and all kinda
Big Five" animals....always thought he might get killed that way .....but no.....god knew better not to take him that way....he's love for animals and nature was way to precious!!
Love Tinka