No one knew his face

no one knew his name

no one knew his business

just what was his game?

He walked the streets at mid-night

he wandered here and there

he said nowt to no one

but gave an empty stare.

Folk began to worry

to look on him with fear

they soon began to panic

when ever he drew near.

Some said he was a dealer

laden down with dope

some said he was a murderer

evading the hangman's rope.

Stories ran and ripened

something must be done

a vigilante band set out

tooled up with a gun.

They found him by the playground

looking sadly at the swings

they yelled at him and cursed him

and asked him crazy things.

He stared at them in silence

looked blankly at the gun

and when it sang the death song

they cheered for they had won.

Had he not been crazy?

a jinx, a freak, a bum

then they saw the card he held

saying, "I am deaf and dumb!"