PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Expressions on his face invited access,

New to the county, I needed his kind charm.

He zipped in and out of our building daily,

With his precious "Mrs." always adorning arm.

I never saw that man when he wasn't cordial.

Did he even know the value of his smile?

There were times when the greetings that he gave me,

Enabled me to carry on a while.

He was raised in a day when things were different.

Black and white didn't meld and he had pride.

I respected him as someone deserving,

As a professional.   He took life in his stride.

I'm not from Greenville so I never knew him

Before he earned the credos that he had.

But I DO know the man called Mr. Washington.

He was my friend, and for that I am glad.

It worries me sometimes when I see children

Following their whims without a clue.

Had we more role models like George Washington,

Kids would gain more insight in what they do.

Time stands still for no man, and we know it.

But I wish today that I could just go back

To the last day when I passed him in the hallway.

I'd heap on him the praise I somehow lacked.

I think as humans we just take for granted,

That we'll have another day to speak our views.

Somehow our time was short and so I missed it--

Mr. Washington, applause I give to you.

You spent your life in service to your neighbors.

You daily lifted others with your smile.

We're thankful for the chance we had to know you

Even though for only a small while.