Written upon the occasion of the memorial service for Richard ("Big Rich") Williams by one who "knew him when" AKA Dick Best (right) Note: This poem was written mindful of the meter of the song "Big John….. Big, Bad John" and the refrain was intended to be in that mood.)

"Big Rich"

He came to San Jose one day, with just the clothes upon his back,
He'd come along the highway, hadn't hit the railroad track.
He was called "lay brother" in Colorado, at least that's what they say

Well, he became my brother then, and he's my brother still today

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

He went to people there and said, "Hey, come and walk with me,
I'm going down this lonesome road just to set some people free."
Me? I up and ran away just as fast as I could flee.
I knew his path was leading to places I didn't want to be.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

I'd seen the Bible thumpers, those holier-than-thou preachers of their Word
Who gave out with some of the most ridiculous tripe I'd ever heard.
"That's not for me! It's not my way!" I shouted in his face.
He just relaxed, laid back, and smiled, with a look so full of grace.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

Then folks whom I respected, who knew where it was at
Went out at night, and walked with Rich, and I couldn't handle that.
"What's with these folks?" I asked myself. "What is it that they've found?"
But still I refused, and wouldn't go, afraid I might come around.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

Then I decided the only way to put this puppy safe to bed
Was to walk one night and prove it was as bad as I had said.
I went out on a Friday, came home, and later on that morn
Called Rich and asked, "Can I go again?" and something new in me was born.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

I'd found a guy who didn't ask me to live up to his ideal,
Just be myself, act natural, so folks could see me real.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

We'd hit the Greyhound station, Sambo's, Jack-in-the-box,
Places where varied people came as they walked their walks.
Talked with tourists, pimps and hookers,
Ugly ones, and real good lookers.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

I learned a lot from him those days, and he from me some too
As closer and closer, each to the other, the both of us, we grew.
Some nights we walked together, some nights with other folks,
We'd cry at people's sorrows, then laugh with them at their jokes.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

Later on I moved. We were physically apart
But Rich was never far away from the center of my heart.
We got together now and then, spent time upon the phone;
We could always be together when either one felt alone.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..

He came to San Jose one day, with just the clothes upon his back,
He'd come along the highway, hadn't hit the railroad track.
He was called "lay brother" in Colorado, at least that's what they say
Well, he became my brother then, and he's my brother still today.

Big Rich…………… Big, Big Rich…………..