Crazy Willie

Will remembers every word
he ever has heard said
he barely learned to read and write
but he's volumes in his head

He's always spouting Shakespeare
it's his local claim to fame
he's crazy for the Avon bard
that's how he got his name

A flourish of his patchwork quilt
says the play's about to start
and how he dons his "costume"
is a clue to the star part

He drapes it like a toga
to do "et tu, Bruté"
and knots it tight around his waist
to do "the Scottish play"

Will never starts a problem
when his feet are on the ground
but when he climbs a monument
Dan has to talk him down

When Willie is performing strong
the street folk all draw near
when he does "band of brothers"
Dan and Jack both shed a tear

Crazy Willie's park orations
are the best you've ever heard
the way he pours the words out
ensures that hearts are stirred

c. 8/27/09, B. Riley

with a little inspiration from Ali girl (Alexdejesus) for the name