Smokey Robinson

Our luncher today didn't want to tell us his name. We asked what he would like to be called? Smokey Robinson- His favourite musician.

We'd like it if you would spottify Smokey Robinson while you read the rest of this post. I like to think his taste in music reveals a romantic soul beneath his drunken exterior.

Smokey lives on the street, round Kings Cross and Euston. He drinks. He doesn't take drugs.

He proudly pointed out his church to us.

His beloved 'white ace'

We asked him if he wanted to have lunch with us and he seemed confused. He was pretty confused for most of the conversation. He'd go in and out of lucidity.

He didn't mind what kind of sandwich we bought him, so long as it wasn't ham. And his eyes lit up when we offered him crisps and orange juice and a bottle of water. "I like water" he said as if surprised by some old memory of drinking something that wasn't 'White Ace'. He asked us to buy him a 'drink'. A bit of a moral dilemma, but seeing as he was pretty shifty about having his photo taken we decided to trade in our consciences for a few photos.

A moment of animation introducing Sophie to Euston (COME ON SOPHIE!!!)

Walking along and chatting pre molestation.

I had a couple of uncomfortable moments with Smokey. Sat with him eating a sandwich and having our picture taken he put his hand on my leg and asked if would have sex with him. No I said. That's not what this is about. He seemed to get the hint and backed off quite quickly.

Later on, as we walked back from the shop, jaunty with the white ace inside him, he grabbed me and tried to kiss me to say 'Thankyou' for buying him his beloved drink.

As nice as this sentiment was, the act was not appreciated and has left one half of me smelling pretty musty. I can't blame Smokey though really. I did buy him a drink. And he was just trying his luck.

I wonder if Smokey ever gets to have sex. If he ever kisses someone. If anyone ever hugs him, or even strokes his arm lightly. If he ever has a proper conversation or a real interaction outside of his drunken haze.

Having our picture taken outside the British Library, by a slightly confused, but very nice laydee. Smokey asked us for a copy of the photo, and despite his photo resistance, was pretty pleased when we showed him this pic.

Smokey didn't know why he was on the street. He didn't know if he had ever been married. He didn't know when his parents died. He didn't know where he normally slept. He didn't know anything. Questions, particularly about his past seemed to trouble him. He most seemed to like to talk in the now.

He became his most lively when he walked us to his 'favourite shop' to buy his 'favourite drink'. Cider. Smokey likes cider, likes beer and loves vodka. But white ace is his favourite.

We managed to get a few things out of smokey. It was tough.But what we learned about Smokey was:

His parents were separated, one lived in London, one lived in Nottingham. he was always trying to track them down. Find their addresses.

His Mum went to church.

Smokey studied physics at university.

He still goes to church every day and says his prayers every night. Despite his penchant for the drink and the casual molestation of girls a third of his age Smokey has a faith and a belief in God.

He showed us his church. And went there after he said bye to us.

We asked Smokey of he had any advice for us. He didn't. I asked him if he would advise us to drink, or not to drink. Drink, he said, without hesitation.

Off to do whatever he will do next.


The overall feeling that Smokey has left with me, is that it's amazing the way that faith stays with people.I'm pleased that Smokey has God, and I hope that God looks after him.

Was it Smokey coming on the me, or was it me coming onto Smokey? Judging by this look of love, I was asking for it.