Grumpy old man A cafe owners lament

A

Alan Heeley

Grumpy old man
A cafe owners lament

Saw an old man shuffling along the street
Collar up, head down against the weather
Aimlessly passing down the high street
Desperate to get out of the rain,
To warm ones hand round a cup of cocoa delivered with a smile,
To hear another voice welcoming not moving us along…

Disheveled by the weather
Weary of life,
Another funeral
Another friend passed on

You don’t own the high street,
Park shelter so why not let me have two minuets
In fact join me
Surly you could spare the time?

I’m not panhandling
As time is fading away
Just a little company
Someone to say high!
someone to laugh and joke with
Someone to know my name

Getting old is no fun
Give us a thought,
Whilst surfing the tidal bore riding high,
Us oldies are wallowing in the background water going nowhere fast

He didn’t pass by today
Missed him mumbling into his beard…
Never got round to welcoming him in for a coffee
didn’t know what others would say

Sat at the back of the chapel
Only me and the vicar there
Found out his name was Fred
And he was a war hero
laid to rest
All his friends and family had gone before
He was the last man standing
Fought in his final battle
Wish I’d done more?
 
Alan Heeley said:
Grumpy old man
A cafe owners lament

Saw an old man shuffling along the street
Collar up, head down against the weather
Aimlessly passing down the high street
Desperate to get out of the rain,
To warm ones hand round a cup of cocoa delivered with a smile,
To hear another voice welcoming not moving us along…

Disheveled by the weather
Weary of life,
Another funeral
Another friend passed on

You don’t own the high street,
Park shelter so why not let me have two minuets
In fact join me
Surly you could spare the time?

I’m not panhandling
As time is fading away
Just a little company
Someone to say high!
someone to laugh and joke with
Someone to know my name

Getting old is no fun
Give us a thought,
Whilst surfing the tidal bore riding high,
Us oldies are wallowing in the background water going nowhere fast

He didn’t pass by today
Missed him mumbling into his beard…
Never got round to welcoming him in for a coffee
didn’t know what others would say

Sat at the back of the chapel
Only me and the vicar there
Found out his name was Fred
And he was a war hero
laid to rest
All his friends and family had gone before
He was the last man standing
Fought in his final battle
Wish I’d done more?
Click to expand...
This is amazing Alan.
I felt I knew him you brought him to life and let him pass away. Incredible!
 
Good morning, Alan;

Thank you for posting Grumpy old man A cafe owners lament

As I was reading it yesterday and again this morning, I thought of two senior men, very good friends of mine who serve in ministry.

The first brother has a ministry that's 40+ years reciting the Gospels in it's entirety with background scenes, music and lighting. His ministry partner died a few years ago so he has struggled performing solo. Last year he survived a heart attack. I've known him for 24 years. I'm taking him out to lunch tomorrow and discuss how he can revive his ministry with more help on music and lighting.

The second man is nearing or is already 80 years old. He served as our Elder in the Church for 10 years. He is in the early stages of dementia. He hasn't gone to Church in the last year, has been in two car accidents and stays couped up in his rented room. His sister and I had a long talk a on Monday. I'm going to meet her at his place and visit him so I can learn more of his condition.

These are both very Godly men and I can remember when they were both energetic serving the Lord.

God bless you, Alan, and we look forward to your poem this Good Friday.

Bob
 
Oh bobinfaith ... Your example is teaching me to be a better person. To take the time and NOTICE the little things that so many seem to miss but are so important to that ONE person. Thank you for sharing about your two friends. Your post touched my heart... and YES I know it is the example of JESUS that I need to follow... I'm just saying... I believe it is important for us to OFTEN do the things that others seem to miss.
 
bobinfaith said:
Good morning, Alan;

Thank you for posting Grumpy old man A cafe owners lament

As I was reading it yesterday and again this morning, I thought of two senior men, very good friends of mine who serve in ministry.

The first brother has a ministry that's 40+ years reciting the Gospels in it's entirety with background scenes, music and lighting. His ministry partner died a few years ago so he has struggled performing solo. Last year he survived a heart attack. I've known him for 24 years. I'm taking him out to lunch tomorrow and discuss how he can revive his ministry with more help on music and lighting.

The second man is nearing or is already 80 years old. He served as our Elder in the Church for 10 years. He is in the early stages of dementia. He hasn't gone to Church in the last year, has been in two car accidents and stays couped up in his rented room. His sister and I had a long talk a on Monday. I'm going to meet her at his place and visit him so I can learn more of his condition.

These are both very Godly men and I can remember when they were both energetic serving the Lord.

God bless you, Alan, and we look forward to your poem this Good Friday.

Bob
Click to expand...
Hope the poem doesn't disappoint
Feel free to share/ use
 
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