Dan Provost

The Guvnor

Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 280 Pounds

Before his Barry the Baptist
role—Lenny McLean
offered few words of wisdom.

His over 3000 unlicensed
fights, many-- uncontained
blood baths, spoke volumes to
any bloke who had an issue on
the East Side of London.

Ask Roy “Pretty” Boy Shaw, who
was the champion of the undeclared
boxing world until the beast knocked
him out of the ring in the 2nd round.

Lenny climbed the top of the
ropes after that pounding, telling
the crowd that he was the “Guvnor”

Nobody argued the point.  His
underworld connections, whispered
among bar patrons,
only added to the legend
of this behemoth—

Guy Richie knew the reputation of
Lenny, when he cast him to play the
organized crime tough guy in Lock, Stock &
Two Smoking Barrels.

Ironic that he didn’t have to act
much in the movie…the big man
was the most feared loan shark
in England.

Before he set foot on the set.

Months after the flick was finished.
Lenny died of cancer.
45 years old.

Buried in London, a small plot.

Where his children, friends,
& enemies could pray to the
Words inscribed on his grave.

“Meet Kindness with Kindness, but
treat violence with violence.”

 

Dan Provost was a former collegiate offensive lineman and football coach for 26 years, Dan Provost’s poetry has been published both online and in print since 1993.  He is the author of 15 books/chapbooks.  His latest, Wolf Whistles Behind the Dumpster was released last November by Roadside Press.  His next book, All in a Pretty Little Row, will also be published by Roadside Press in November 2023. He has been twice nominated for The Best of the Net and has read his poetry throughout the United States.  He lives in Berlin, New Hampshire with his wife Laura, and dog Bella.