⁓ TALL PINES ⁓ ( Ballad in 8-Count )

One I wrote to commemorate my best friend's life; I read it at his funeral service, and plan to share it this time each year.

~ Kenneth ~

‘Twas in those days when youthkind dreamed
and primal fascination surged,
that all the world was right, it seemed,
when boys played hard and friendships merged.

Mischief galore to get into …
we knew what that was all about;
those days so long, with boredoms few,
without a care, we’d run and shout.
 
With chainguards off our bikes we soared
down steep creek banks, or cut through yards;
there was no gloom and never bored,
we fought and smiled with few regards.
 
First girls, then cars happened along,
and soon enough, the Sr. Prom.
We knew the words to every song …
those youthful days that yet live on.
 
Though, many knew, and those who did,
have carried forth one young man’s name.
Doubted when bragged-on, best forbid;
tough fighters knew of Kenneth’s fame.
 
Took every dare he could back then,
a legend he’d become, I heard;
one day we woke and we were men,
but still, the boys inside us stirred.
 
So mean and tough this man had grown,
but no one can escape their heart;
so, he took Donna for his own,
a brand new life they both would start.
  
A wedding band, and life moved on,
three children graced young man and wife.
First born, a boy, then came the dawn,
oh, how his birth had changed their life.
 
Not far behind, another boy,
and all the world a lover’s feast.
At last ~ a baby girl of joy,
who touched his heart and never ceased.
 
But fate would ruin it, soon they’d part,
and all the world turned bright, to sad,
both man and wife, each changed their heart.
Those days were gone, of joys they’d had.
 
He chose “Firefighting” for his trade,
to serve the world and those in need.
Again, a fighter’s name he made,
for many years he would succeed.
 
One day retirement came to call,
and now, at last, comfort galore,
but life again wrote on his wall;
there's something else for him in store.
 
He settled-in at Apple Springs,
again, he started life anew.
He never quit his boyish flings;
and as he aged his dreams held true.
 
To family, his faith ne'er stalled,
as always, he would do his best
to serve with love when duty called.
At last, My Friend, “It’s time to rest.”

Amongst the tall East Texas pines
we joined together for, “Goodbye!”
In harmony, we sang our lines  …
tho’ voices smiled, not one dry eye.

Oh, bless-ed be, we’ll miss him so;
he brought such joy to all those here …
let’s tip our jugs and each bestow
to our brave friend ~ a farewell cheer!

Author's Note

I know it's long, but how does one cut short their best friend's homage?

Well-intended, constructive critique is always welcome!

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

did not notice the length while reading ..only when first glancing over the whole page .. i don't know how one can begin to critique such a personal expression of appreciation for shared lives .. so relateable ..i especially enjoyed the memories as boyhood friends ..i also was fortunate to have grown up with such friendships ..some until this very day ... the passing of friends is hallmark .. as we are blessed with years we also receive a measure of alone-ness ... love your poem ..a pleasure to read and share these deep feelings you have for your friend Kenneth ... what did you call him? Ken? Kenny? ... just wondering. i am sorry for the lose you have in his death :{
E.

[Richard🖌]

We called him "Kenneth", or something worse … LOL!

Take a look at the review before yours, if you want to know how to begin to critique it.

Thank you, Gene, for sharing your insights, thoughts, and in-depth feelings on this piece … it was very emotionally difficult to compose, but I wrote it for his family and friends, and read it before to the congregation at Kenneth's funeral.

Thank you for your caring and kind condolences, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Einstein Noodle]

Kenneth! i just knew it ... there are some very special people (says i) that are known by their proper name mostly .. (one of the coolest well respected college guys i knew was named and called Eugene) not me..tho i am named the same .. i grew up known only as Gene (my Granpa's name) i still say some expressions are beyond critiquing .. it seems too much to the cold side of things ..but respect always right?! my Da's name is Kenneth ..but almost everyone (even at the pub) called him Mr. ... and a few called him Kenny .. so your tribute brings lots of good memories to mind and heart for me ..and each year you post this .. your memories will rekindle ..good stuff says i!

[Richard🖌]

Says I, Gene, "You're a good and true hearted man, a friend like no other, with a very warm, insightful soul and mind … bless You, My Friend, and your fine, highly-respected Dad!" : )

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks man! :)......................

[horizon]

you just brought tears into my eyes i swear...can't say anything

[LostBoy]

Long rambles tbh. Like the scenery though. Kind homage. I tripped over your rhymes in patches..you write like a bard in practise. A modern Shakespeare figure in the works. I can see that. Too Adorned for my taste but thx for sharing.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you for selecting one of my pieces to read and comment on.

Best to ya! ⁓ Richard

[Great Aunt Astri]

This is one of the best long poems I have read. A great tribute to a friend, and a little bit of drink helps.
"Lets tip our jugs and each bestow
to our brave friend~ a farewell cheer!

[Richard🖌]

"KLINK!"
Here's to you, too, Lovely Lady-Poet, for your words of delightful inspiration … thank you so very gratefully … hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Dave]

Richard - you know I'm not a rhyming poet, but still I can appreciate when its done and done well. I can feel the love you had for Kenneth. Like you I have seen many years pass and many dear friends pass on. They still live in the golden years of my memories of them. I'm sure the same is true with you.

[Richard🖌]

Dave,
You are a great friend and a marvelous reviewer.
I know, too, your heart feels and relates to this work.
Yes, it is true for me, too … you understand me so very well.
Bless you and your kindred spirit! ⁓ Richard

[Dave]

Despite your much more honed expertise, we are, are we not, kindred spirits?

[Richard🖌]

This is my sense, Dave, but we each have our honed expertise … I could never write such amazing books and novels, like you do, eh? : )

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

Very-well written. If your departed friend will hear this in heaven, he would be pleased and gratified. Such an excellent homage, you have described your friend's life beautifully. Though I do not read long pieces, but your poem is so engaging that I couldn't help reading the whole piece.
Good one. Keep writing.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Vatsal,
What an endearingly thoughtful thing to say about my friend's approval, and the praising comments to assure that my humble efforts are worthy of his honorable life.
I am sincerely grateful you forewent your usual habit of not reading long poems, as I would not have received your excellent and encouraging review for this one.

Thank you for the ending compliment, My Friend, and I think I shall follow your advice to keep writing, too … most grateful smiles to you! ⁓ Richard

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

How does one construct a critique of a life so lived and honored? To have friends in the end to remember and share is more than most of us could dream. I love how the memory's eye captured equally the bliss and beauty of Kenneth's life from childhood into adult. The former lending a shine that forever smiles. Those tall pines surround my home; and as I look out the window, I smile, thinking of Kenneth.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Linda,
It is most lovely and thoughtful of you to read and bless my efforts to grace Kenneth's life … your sweet poetic voice has made it seem such a rewarding and worthwhile undertaking.
I know he will feel great pleasure, gazing down upon you there, lost deep in thought, surrounded by your tall, majestic pines.
Simply beautiful, Linda, as are You … warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

How beautifully you have captured his life and your memories and love for him. To have a lifelong friend is such a gift...when they pass on they take a piece of us with them. I love that you were able to share it at the service and find it so dear of you to post every year to commemorate him once again. As you know from my poem you read, I can relate so to the sadness and beauty all in one place. I did not go through Apple Springs as I was farther up near the Louisiana line. That entire part of Texas is another world. May he rest in piece and those who loved him have him ever close.

[Richard🖌]

Claire,
It means a lot to me to have you read and review this, it's because I know you truly understand.

Warmest thanks to you, Texas Lady! ⁓ Richard

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Here's to growing strong and tall with many around us. :)

[Richard🖌]

Here! Here! "KLINK!"

[Ed Hart]

my goodness Richard...what a touching farewell, and what a roller coaster ride of the heart for your readers...everything here is perfect

[Richard🖌]

Ed,
Your thoughtful kindness and praise for this virtual poetic adventure into my friend's life is gratifying beyond what my humble words will convey.

I thank you most sincerely, though, for your valuable time taken and encouragement conveyed, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Warrior]

Great story telling. This did justice in the realm of getting the message across. Great message.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Fellow-Poet!
I extend to you a warm and friendly welcomes.
Thank you for selecting one of my pieces to read and review, and what a lengthy poetic journey to begin with, eh?
Your comments bless my humble efforts with both a great sense of appreciation and encouragement, and I most gratefully thank you for them.
In reading your profile intro, I see you enjoy a bit of science fiction, and on that note: If you've a mind to read another, I think I have one on here about robots you might enjoy: http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1634898/
Meanwhile, I'll drop your place for a look around and a read or two … I very much enjoyed your fine review! ⁓ Richard