Ode To Reuben

When I met him, he was hungry and homeless.
Rumor had it that he once played basketball
for the infamous Harlem Globe Trotters.

Three traits that I observed in him would
have proven great for any area of endeavor.
Reuben was bold, persistent, and congenial.

His BOLDNESS did not render him arrogant or rude.
Although our first encounter was eye opening
when he suggested his own breakfast menu,
I found it to be nonthreatening but humorous.

When he continued to drop in for a meal day
after day, his PERSISTANCE was dully noted,
making it difficult for him to go unnoticed.

In spite of his size, looks, and offensive odor,
Reuben was a very CONGENIAL person. He never
resisted or hesitated to conform and comply with
whatever was required of him. He always quietly
agreed, not because he was desirous of a meal,
but because he was simply a very genuine person.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Alex Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"not because he was desirous of a meal, but because he was simply a very genuine person." - A very grand illustration of Reuben. Congratulations!
Woods Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I hope this Reuben fellow is you? Due to the contest instructions to write about oneself... not being able to check that for myself, I judged on what i could see and your poem is really wonderful! Thank you for entering and sharing this! Xoxo
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