Carl Guerra was a developmentally-disabled man who lived in my neighborhood in San Francisco. He consistently inspired me as I saw him interact with people of all ages throughout my formative years. I wrote this poem fifteen years ago, not long after Carl death. I share it today in an attempt to keep the memory of this Sunset District legend alive. He was an amazing man.

A Tribute to Carl

Ortega to Wawona Street,
and places in between,
a special Sunset District man
could frequently be seen.
He’d ride up on his bicycle,
and flash his killer smile,
and then he’d stay and talk with us
for more than just awhile.

Carl’s gentle charm and kindly ways
endeared him to us all;
he’s now a Sunset legend,
a man we all recall.
He shared his simple life with us
and brightened up our days –
a constant inspiration
in so very many ways.

I’d see him down at Fairlane Foods
or near Ulloa School;
wherever I would see him,
gentle kindness was his rule.
He’d hang around South Sunset,
and he’d watch us play some ball.
He’d cheer for all the kids he knew –
he seemed to know us all.

“Beep-beep, honk-honk, aaaoooogah!”
He’d cruise slowly down the street,
and share his love and laughter
with the people he would meet.
He knew the names of almost all
the neighbors he would see,
and everyone knew Carl,
for that’s the way it had to be.

I’m grateful for the memories
and for the gifts he shared.
One thing was clear about our Carl –
you always knew he cared.
The people of the Sunset
will remember him with love.
We know he’s watching over us
and smiling from above.

©2011