JACK THE LAD

[Maureen K Clifford]

JACK THE LAD

He was a humble trolley boy, a likable young lad
who missed out a little in life's skills, that fact was somewhat sad.
He said he was autistic and some folks though he was slow,
this was the first job that he'd had. The store gave him a go.

He liked the work quite well he said, people would always chat.
Most everybody knew his name...well nothing wrong with that.
He liked collecting trolleys, and working outside alone
helping the older folk who couldn't manage on their own.
He was happy to assist them, lift their bags into the car
and quick to offer his strong arm if they had parked to far
away from the stores entrance, and Jack always had a smile
and his manners were impeccable..He stood out by a mile.

He told me that he knew that some kids laughed about his job
but he'd copped a lot of bullying at school. He understood
it was their own inadequacies that caused them to be pests,
he might be just a trolley boy, but planned to be the best.
With attitude like that you had to admire this bloke’s pluck.
So I shook his hand, gave him a grin and wished him all the luck
that the world had to offer, for a bloke with such ambition,
surely will succeed in his life regardless of conditions.

But fate then played its cruelest hand and a young life was lost.
No one’s fault just an accident. Something that fate just tossed
into the equation, as if there was perhaps a point to make.
The church was overflowing, many gathered for his sake.

So many people came that day they'd not all fit inside
and his parents, broken hearted, also held their heads with pride
shining from their eyes as customers of the supermarket chain
spoke so highly about Jack. His life was not in vain.
They spoke about his lovely smile, and how he always waved.
He helped with shopping trolleys and their old stiff shoulders saved
from pain as he helped lift the groceries from out the trolley,
and always had a funny joke, and always bright and jolly.

His simple casket was covered with flowers yellow and red,
and paper chains and daisies from the kids at school , who said
they knew Jack was an adult but a kid at heart was he,
a big fan of the Broncos and The Simpson's on TV.
Some children placed wrapped lollies and flowers upon his bier
for they knew Jack liked lollies, so they thought they'd put some here
where he could take them on his journey. Heaven’s far away.
They knew they'd see him once again, not sure when - but some day.


Perhaps a lesson could be learnt from those who wear Gods mark
of specialness and difference. They walk a separate path.
For though perhaps not sound of body, and unlike the rest
they’re blessed with loving, giving hearts and always do their best.


Maureen Clifford ©

[Neville Briggs]

Thanks for that Maureen. Well done in wording and rhythm.

I do a little project each week for a group that includes autistic, Down's and so forth. their affection is terrific, when they see me down the street they always greet me with enormous enthusiasm. And they even laugh at my pathetic jokes .

[Rimeriter]

"Goodonya" both.
Jim.