He was a man of high intelligence

"Alphonse the Boffin" they called him

Though he wasn't a boffin

And his name was Raymond.

But they knew that, somehow,

He was different.

 

He didn't often socialise

Because he hated nonsensical small-talk

And the people who felt compelled

To play that game.

Rain is rain, sun is sun.

Who really cares?

He thought.

 

Perhaps, deep-down,

He was a rebel

Though he didn't really

Fit the bill.

 

Okay, so he didn't wear a watch

Because he hated

Being constrained by time,

And he was more likely

To gorge himself during lent

Than to fast.

 

If it's right to comply

And wrong to be different,

Then Raymond accepted,

Without a care,

That he was a passive rebel.

So be it.

 

Pancho Villa, Che Guevara,

Robin Hood -

And Raymond

 

Best to be remembered

For being a bit odd

Than to be forgotten, he thought,

With irony,

As he let the cat out,

Kissed his mother's photograph

And put out the light