Former TV presenter is one of Sydney’s legion of homeless

FORMER TV presenter John Lloyd-Green is one of Sydney’s legion of homeless and his lovely poem about boats on Sydney Harbour has captured hearts.

John Lloyd-Green’s poem has touched hearts in Blues Point. Picture: Annika Enderborg

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MEET the Bard of Blues Point.

Writer John Lloyd-Green’s beautiful ode to the scenic spot is causing waves on Sydney Harbour, but ­behind the flowing lyrics is a touching personal story as Lloyd-Green is homeless.

Once a high-flying TV presenter with waterfront properties, he now sleeps in the back of a vehicle in a northern beaches park and does his washing in a retirement home.

“I’m a homeless man, I live on the streets,” he said.

“It hasn’t always been like this. I was a journalist.

“Once upon a time I had a lot going for me.”

Despite hitting hard times, Lloyd-Green never gave up on his natural talent with words.

He continued to write and was so inspired by the magic of Blues Point that he composed Please Don’t Go.

Blues Point enjoys one of the most iconic views of Sydney. Picture: Richard Orr

The poem describes the pang of sadness at the end of a weekend, while the harbour will still endure in the writer’s absence.

He decided to pin it on the bus shelter beside the reserve and it has gathered the attention of locals.

One Mosman Daily reader loved it so much he emailed it to the paper, describing it as a lovely poem.

“I’ve written a bit of poetry over the years ... I decided to take poetry to the people,” Lloyd-Green said. “Maybe there are people out there enjoying reading it now.

“I regard myself as a communicator. When things went the way they did a few years ago, I wanted to keep communicating, ” he added.

Lloyd-Green’s poem in the bus shelter at Blues Point. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Lloyd-Green worked at a number of TV stations, including Channel 7 in Sydney and Canberra, NBN-3 in Newcastle and Prime in Orange, from which he was sacked.

After leaving the media he tried to make a comeback but the technology had moved on.

A black cloud descended and he became homeless three years ago.

“The whole scene had changed. I became very depressed and I couldn’t get a job,” he said.

“You lose confidence and self-esteem.”

Lloyd-Green is also a ­songwriter and he works ­casually, driving disabled children.

“I’m a dreamer,” he said.

Enjoying the atmosphere at Blues Point. Picture: Annika Enderborg

PLEASE DON’T GO

No please don’t go

don’t disappear

I still have one more wine —

You are my boats

on the harbour

on a Sunday so fine

Your passing by

gives me a lift

with every bob and turn

I love the way

your bow waves dance

then exit at the stern

But from the shore

I see you all

preparing for days’ end —

A sail comes down

motors cut in

to take the final bend

I know our time

is running out

and Sunday nearly set —

But please my boats

It’s Monday eve!

Don’t disappear — just yet!!

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