Charlie Smith died on Monday,
that's what the paper says.
The funeral will be tomorrow
at St. Vincent's Church.
Never knew he was ill, did you?

There's quite a write up on him
on page two.
According to this article
he helped those in trouble
no matter who they were.

He made toys for the orphans,
found shelter for the poor,
visited the lonely,
did gardening for the lame.

Did you know he'd been married ?
Neither did I.
Widower of Isobel (30 years deceased).
Loving father of Janet -
lives somewhere in the east.

He hasn't a son to carry on his name,
no brothers or sisters -
that really is a shame.
Still, he'll have a proper send-off
if all his friends attend.

Wish I'd known him better.
Could have if I'd tried,
seeing we were neighbors
for nearly twenty years.