Poem: A Home for the Homeless
December 9, 2009
The following is a poem submitted to us by an Old Boy.
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A Home for the Homeless
When I was a boy, I had no place to go,
My mother was poor, and things were slow,
But in ‘49’ I went to a place,
Where all boys were welcome, no matter what race,
I spent four years there, and at the time was quite sad,
But I look back now at the good life I had,
The things I remember with a smile today,
Will remain with me always, Till I pass away.
There was a nice warm bed, and three meals to eat,
When so many others were without food or heat,
The laundry lines, where they checked the tags,
On the good clothes we wore, instead of just rags,
The evening showers and the swim right after,
The Friday night movie, usually filled with laughter,
There was ping pong, pool, and shuffle board too,
Plenty of things for young boys to do,
The Halloween parties, held in the big hall,
Bobbing for apples and having a ball.
Away to camp for two months every year,
Where there always was fun, and seldom a tear,
The swimming and boating we did every day,
And I slept in a HUT called Ojibway,
There were overnight trips, and an outdoor chapel,
Candies and cookies, and the occasional apple,
There was punishment too, when you went astray,
But also rewards, when you had a good day,
It all seems tough when you’re a very young boy,
With no home of your own, which is filled with joy,
But I look around now at so many others,
Who have nothing at all, not even fathers or mothers.
I’m a grown man now with a boy of my own,
He’s lucky I guess to have a good home,
I also was fortunate, when I lived with you,
Mrs.Craig & Mr.McAdam (CHIEF) we all knew.
There were so many others, who were part of my life,
And on several occasions I have said to my wife,
Most boys in the home feel lonely and sad,
But it’s the greatest experience I’ve ever had.
Sincerest thanks for four good years.
Bill Brazier 1949-1953
