Great Uncle Bill !

A true story !

 Great Uncle Bill !

As a young lad, oft, I would visit an old man called William Brown

my grandmother's elder brother, who dwelt far out of town,

old fashioned by nature, working the land was all he ever had known

and I enjoyed helping out on his farm, where he lived all alone!

 

Despite advancing years, he still loved to tell a yarn or a joke

while puffing on a wooden pipe, blowing rings of elevating, blue smoke,

like the time he searched all over for his cap, forgetting it was on his head

or the night he found a clucking chicken, laying an egg on his bed!

 

Always fried bread, eggs and bacon for breakfast along with a cup a tea

then straight out into the fields, where he would work like a busy bee

and only when the sun had descended and he had completed every chore,

would he return to the house, to cook the same meal as before!

 

One day I was taken out early from school, straight to the home of old Bill

a Doctor stood gravely by his brass bed, my great uncle had taken very ill,

as I approached his bedside,  tears welled in my eyes, my heart heavy like lead

and as he lay there meekly breathing, he turned to me and softly said;

 

“Young Tom now my time is up, but I want you to know life has been fun

so remember to always have a laugh and that hard work, never killed anyone”!

Then with a smile he rested his head,  I clasped his hand as he gently sighed,

and in that timeless moment I stayed strong,  as he closed his eyes and peacefully died!  

I still remember him well despite his passing, some 30 odd years ago,

though now I am married with kids of my own, who set my heart all aglow,

quite often when I tell them a yarn or a joke, they laugh out ever so shrill,

and it reminds me of those happy days as a lad,  I spent with their great, great, Uncle Bill !

Reviews

[Neville]

Hey Tom,

Emma Joy hit the nail on the head with her review & what a absolutely delightful tribute to your Great Uncle who sounds that not only did he live life to the full but that he continues to have an impact on your life and values & now, quite possibly others. AGT's N

[Tom]

Thank you indeed Neville for just a glowing review !

[Neville]

Hey be assured, my pleasure entirely. N

[Jack...]

Tom, this was beautiful. What would life be without these wonderful memories of those who touched us and in some way helped to make us what we are. Very well done my friend.

[Tom]

Thank you Jack for your kind appraisal !

[Joyce S. Greene]

This is a terrific tribute to your great, great uncle Bill, Tom. His sense of humor and work ethic were very good values and since he was one of your role models, I'm certain you were inspired by him to laugh and work hard. Your poem was very well written, as are all of yours, and I very much enjoyed reading it.

[Tom]

Thank you Joyce for such a glowing tribute !

[Marie]

Quite a tribute to your uncle...I too have an uncle I remember with joy, for his birthday and mine were on the same day..

[Tom]

Thank you Marie, yes indeed I think we all have a special uncle we remember from our young days !

[00000000000000000000000..]

This was awesome sad to see the passing of a love one go , but wow what he left you with is priceless:)

[Tom]

Indeed so and thank you for your prolific words !

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Your very welcome Tom:)

[AYVID N]

Tom, this brilliant poem says all about life. Life is short, is hard work yet to be cherished and lived with love. In uncle Bill's life, the reader gets the meaning of life. 'I have run the race, I have kept the faith'. Beautiful narration, and a very endearing read. Thank you so much!

[Tom]

Thank you Divya, you definitely picked up what I was trying to convey!

[Angel]

What a wonderful, touchingly sweet tale this is, Tom!! I am sure your Great Uncle Bill would be so very proud of the man you have become...and doubly proud of the part he played in making you the great man that you are!
A magnificent tribute!

[Tom]

Thank you Angel for such a wonderful review !

[Lydia Shutter]

Laughing and working hard....your Great Uncle Bill knew how to live life! What a heartfelt story you told here. You obviously loved him very much and though he passed when you were a young boy, he made a huge impact on your life. Such a warm and wonderful tribute to his memory. Well written. lydi**

[Tom]

Yes indeed Lydia he kept life simple and enjoyed every moment and thanks for your insightful review!

[Frieda P]

Such a heartfelt poem. What a lovely tribute, you do your uncle quite an honor in this piece Tom....great read my friend!

[Tom]

Thank you Frieda P he was a legend !

[Frieda P]

Yes I can read that in your kind words...he lives on through your poetry.

[Tom]

What a kind and thoughtful comment, I'm humbled Frieda my thanks once more !

[Frieda P]

You're welcome my sweet friend, always a pleasure, always. x

[Angi]

This is such a beautiful piece of work, Tom. This is a special memory shared. Angi~

[Tom]

Thank you Angi, sometimes the poignant moments in life inspire the pen !

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so touching....wonderful piece of writing, Tom.

jacob

[Tom]

Much appreciated Jacob !