Shep the Leper is Papa Goodyear’s alter ego. The limerick, while lacking in some quality, turned out at least a little fun. Hope you enjoy it.
Shep the Leper
There once was a leper named Shep
who’s illness deprived him of pep.
But he wouldn’t beg
when he lost his left leg
he became a prosthesis rep.
Husband. Father. Grandfather. Pilot. Pastor. Poet.
4 responses so far ↓
Real Live Preacher // Jul 30, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Well, there’ something to be said for those who always find a good way to look at things.
I guess…
Mark Goodyear // Jul 31, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I’m thinking of Thomas Covenant but also that story by Flannery O’Connor where the bible salesman steals other people’s artificial limbs.
Assuming the leper is still a leper, does he eventually sell prosthetic noses too?
Is it wrong to make light of leprosy?
Papa Goodyear // Aug 6, 2007 at 9:54 pm
I’ve wanted to respond, but struggled with the idea that my poem makes light of a serious disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprosy). Thankfully there appears to be treatments today that can at least control it.
Forgive me for my insensitivity.
(P.S. How can you tell when a hockey player has leprosy? There’s a face off at center ice.)
L.L. Barkat // Aug 16, 2007 at 6:34 pm
I’m with Mark. Somehow this has a Flannery O’ Connor feel to it. Except that she never makes me laugh. And you did.
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