Back story: In the 1950's and 1960's, in Pensacola, Florida, there was an old Marine called "Sarge". He got around by bicycle, and, over the years had several dogs. He was an institution. Kids would yell (pre-air conditioning) "Hi Sarge!" and wave, and he would grin and wave back. He would dance downtown in the Fiesta Of Five Flags parades. He was a fixture in Pensacola for decades.
Old Sarge, his whiskered face,
The image of Gabby Hayes,
A standard on the streets of town,
His old bicyle and dog a part
Of the streets of Pensacola.
Old man they thought befuddled,
Grinned and waved at passing cars,
Especially the kids, dancing,
On the field at local football games,
Faded now into the past
Remembered only by a few
Old folks like me, whiskered now,
As he was then.
Donovan Baldwin