Walkin' Willie

© 2022 Matthew Costello

Oh there were days I saw him walking through town
I’d shout “Hey Willie!“, he’d wave back and walk on
Seemed like he knew everyone and they all knew him
He’d start walking sometimes before dawn

Someone might say I was out and I saw him today
I pulled over, stopped to give him a ride
I tell you he never asked, but he’d kindly accept
Yeah, that was Willie, he would take life in stride

Willie what’s you’re destination
Jobs to do and people you gotta see
You seemed larger than life in my small hometown
Keep Walking Willie you have someplace to be

At the Christmas parade, his tractor pulled a big float
A flatbed truck filled with kids and Rudolph
The first year he drove, he stalled and traffic was blocked
The tractor lurched and the kids all fell off

They all laughed like it was part of the ride
Then they rushed to climb back up on the float
As they rode down the street, they heard shouting and cheers
They were the hit of the day, people liked them the most

Willie what’s you’re destination
Jobs to do and people you gotta see
You seemed larger than life in my small hometown
Keep Walking Willie you have someplace to be

One time last summer, we were talkin’ about old Willie
Back in the war there was a bombing he survived
I heard he died about 10 years ago
I thought when Willie walked he seemed grateful to be alive

One moonlit night, I drove past Willie’s old house
When a sudden fog made me stop at the next block
Beneath a misty street light I saw a man up ahead,
He moved the same way WIllie would walk

I saw his eyes when he looked & waved back at me
Seemed like he smiled, or he had something to say
He turned back around, then walked out of the light
I said, Keep Walking WIllie, we’ll get there one day

Willie what’s you’re destination
Jobs to do and people you gotta see
You seemed larger than life in my small hometown
Keep Walking Willie you have someplace to be