Spud Delano by Ben Laney

He camps
in a grove of trees
behind the old
Snow White drive-in
By day
he walks the streets
pushing the cart
he keeps his rags in

And he claims
he's the meanest man
who ever crossed the Colorado
the saltiest dog
who ever howled up at the moon
One look in his eyes
and you know
he's seen a whole lot of road
and the road
is all that's left...
for Spud Delano

I spoke
with Spud yesterday
We joked as he smoked
a cigarette
Not that I
had much to say
Still it was
a talk I won't forget

Old Spud
has a few stories
Some are happy,
but most are sad
He swears
his only glory
left with a
woman he used to have

And he claims
he's the meanest man
who ever crossed the Colorado
the saltiest dog
who ever howled up at the moon
One look in his eyes
and you know
he's seen a whole lot of road
and the road
is all that's left...
for Spud Delano
Yes, the road
is all that's left...
for Spud Delano

Spud's a homeless man I met once upon a time. He had eyes that sparkled like sunlight on blue, blue waters when he smiled. He also bore a sadness as deep as the ocean, which swirled around him in a tide. I was struck by his human-ness and his sense of humor. I will remember him till my dying day, if I don't get alzheimer's disease!

Terrie* (65.147.241.37) -- Wednesday, July 7 2004, 08:29 pm

Ben
good 'ol Spud i remember him, sweet little guy with a huge heart .all the children loved him especially Laura Dee...didn't have much money but shared his last bit of change with little kids.. i remember my mother-in-laws prparing him many meals, so much sadness of how he became homeless...but i guess when you lose someone you love.that can happen.. thank you for keepin' his memory alive, perhaps you'll come up w/one of our Friend Bull. hugs/love to you hun

Meridian (205.188.116.200) -- Thursday, July 8 2004, 03:07 am

good to hear
Good to know you have a good friend such as Spud Delano! Lovely poem...

Smiles,
Meridian

Ben (4.182.132.184) -- Thursday, July 8 2004, 07:48 am

Thank you, Terrie*, for your.....
Thank you, Terrie*, for your comment, I am glad you remember Spud Delano as well. He was definitely a unique individual and a real character!

Ben (4.182.132.184) -- Thursday, July 8 2004, 07:55 am

Meridian, I am happy you..
Meridian, I am happy you enjoyed this writing and I appreciate your comment. This was written some time ago. Spud passed away a while back, and never got to read these words. However, he will be remembered by myself and others. Thank you very much for your kind words!

Best Regards,
Ben

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