My Noble Tommy 28 July 1914

A July birthday and romance

I remember the young groomsman when I was ten, his name was Thomas and I loved him from the moment he called, "I have this fine mustang young miss, new from America she is."



Not more than fifteen but his smile took my breath away,

a girlish crush, a shy smile in return, and the same birthday.

The birthday that six years later would take this Thomas to France,

But every school holiday, ever visit home, he would walk her horse,

always brushed, polished saddle, a smile and 'Miss'.



As the years past he became more handsome. He would always have a smile and a nod for me, or some new  trick he discovered with the stable. Never over familiar, never talking above his station, always kind.



Summer nights spent racing down Run Away Hill,

Laughing as the sped across the river.

Winter days trotting in fresh snow, smelling the hot chocolate he carried,

Small candied apples in the saddle bag.

Always smiling and laughing,

No matter the weather, the stable was happy, so was he.



And than that terrible day, our birthday. In the servants quarters, a boot boys crystal set. The European War, the deceleration declared. And as any son of the Isle that would not be slaves, my Thomas enlisted.


Behind glass, a class room,

a lesson.

In France, there was mud, sweat,

and so much blood and burning fields.

The newspaper bring tears, gossip,

valor, defeat, courage,  revolution,

Americans.


I sit, wait, hope, prey, weep, but I always hope. Four long years, sleepless nights, peaking around corners for gossip. How you must feel, please be safe, my Noble Tommy.



Victory, Bells ring, Prayers are answered,

the boys are coming home, the trains are running,

some have gaunt faces, others vacant expressions,

a few thin, worn, smiles and cheers.

Thousands wait at stations,

road sides, either postman will bike by,

or Policeman, but they still wait.



Noble Tommy, come back to me. Not matter the scars, the blood, the loss. Please comeback to me....



"Fine horse you have there Miss, she new?"

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the set-up of the poem my friend. You brought the reader in and you led them to love, you led them to war and you led him to his dear love. Thank you my friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Miss Sharon]

Beautifully written and a joy to read. ~Sharon

[wordman]

sad,sweet,but a happy ending,love how you presented it

[SquinklaPsyOps]

The way you have woven the given topics into this work is interesting. The piece has a quirky, personal quality with a multitude of meanings.

[Robbie~xoxo~]

WOW MM!... One would never know that a man wrote this... You truly place the reader in the narrators frame of mind. Bittersweet memories of Noble Tommy... well done!~xoxo~