For many years, Mark has walked neighbours’ dogs, collected local rubbish and brought cheer to everyone. In 2013, the Glebe Society obtained the support of City of Sydney to acknowledge Mark’s community work in Glebe by a letter cof commendation from the Lord Mayor.

The following poem is by Huw Luscombe. The painting is by Glebe Society member, Dale Dengate.

Making His Mark

‘Jesus loves you’ this complete stranger said
Socrates replied with a playful bark
And that is how I first met Mark
Who walks with his dogs down at Glebe Point Park

His greeting is a tad unconventional
When he kisses the trees some say f-a-r-k
But all life has beauty and meaning to Mark
Walking dogs by the water at Glebe Point Park

He loves the smell of the fresh cut grass
He loves the colours of the sky just before dark
There is a wonder and joy in each moment for Mark
As he walks with his dogs around Glebe Point Park

The city moves around him, the traffics swells by
The contrast in lifestyle could not be more stark
The urban professional consumers and the urban mystic Mark
Who what who just wants his dogs down at Glebe Point Park

Not all his furry friends belongs solely to him
Assorted neighbours’ canines trail of him in an arc
Friendship, not ownership is the issue for Mark
As he walks all those dogs down at Glebe Point Park

He helps butts and wrappers find their way to the bin
His face has a grin, his eyes have a spark
I envy the simple life of my friend Mark
As he walks with his dogs and cares for Glebe Point Park

So if you catch a 431 bus
And go right to the end before you disembark
You might meet a prophet who’s making his Mark
Just walking his dogs down at Glebe Point Park

‘Jesus loves you brother’

 

‘Mark walks the dog, talking about Picasso’ by Dale Dengate. (Image: V. Simpson-Young)
‘Mark walks the dog, talking about Picasso’ by Dale Dengate. (Image: V. Simpson-Young)