Hey Dude! Poem by Jim Yerman

I was on my first walk of the new year…feeling happy…healthy and rested…
I had no idea in front of The Church of the Good Shepherd…my faith in myself and my fellow man would be tested.

As I arrived in front of the church…across the street a young man…to me unknown…was yelling over and over again…."Hey Siri! " into his phone.

When I saw him I waved…although I admit my wave was a bit half-hearted…when he saw me he said, "Hey dude, can you help me? " Dude, I would find out, is how all his sentences started.

He was out partying with friends on New Year's Eve and, apparently still feeling the effects…he didn't notice when his Uber driver dropped him off at the wrong address.

He told me where he lived…I said he just needed to make a couple of corrections…for he was nowhere near his home…and he was walking in the wrong direction.

He wanted to call his sister but his phone was dead…his bad luck this fact underscores
but when he saw the phone in my hand he asked, "Dude, can I borrow yours? "

He crossed the street…I handed him my phone…then he paused a moment because…after everything that he'd been through…he didn't know where he was.

I told him the address…he called his sister and told her how his night had gone astray…
She told him to stay right where he was…she was on her way.

He said, "Dude, thanks for saving my life." I figured it was still the alcohol talking…
And knowing he was safe now…I continued with my walking.

But I could hear him as I walked away saying, "Dude, thanks I don't know what I'd have done if you weren't here to find me…followed by more Dude, thank yous and Dude, God bless yous echoing behind me.

As I turned for home I began to worry…since I left him there alone…
If his sister found him and picked him up…so I called her number now on my phone.

She didn't answer so I left a message….then continued…homeward bound…
she sent me back a text thanking me…saying he was safe and sound.

If I see him again I might admit I thought twice about helping him in the dark as screaming down the street he roamed…but more than likely I'd just smile and say,
"Dude…I'm glad you made it home."