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

[icelandicblue]

Oh Tom, What a gift he gave you. It sounds like a pivotal moment in your life and I thank you for sharing it.

[Tom]

You are welcome ice'blue and I thank you for such a thoughtful review !

[Rita L. Sev]

What a great tribute to a wonderful man, Tom! You told his story well, and shared his wisdom beautifully!

[Tom]

Thank you so much Rita and yes indeed, he was a character !

[Sheila Kline]

Tom, this just reaches in and grabs my heart as it is such a beautiful and touching lesson of life, and how those who are older than we may affect our life in such a memorable way! Your Great Uncle Bill was a wonderful man and a positive influence on your life. I thank him in spirit for influencing him as you are so kind and nice to all of us here!

I admire anyone who works as hard as your Great Uncle Bill did - such a wonderful quality to pass on!! And, I like your description of the meals he ate each day!! All in wonderful form and rhyme too!!

A very beautiful write my friend!! You shall never forget the moment you became a man.

[Tom]

Thank you as always Sheila for such a warm and insightful review and yes indeed, I suppose I picked up on many of his character traits ! ( I'd like to think so anyway ? )..

[Sami Khalil]

A wonderful story with real moral life lessons. The people that touch us and help us grow wisely in life. This was sad but good...:)....................

[Tom]

Thank you Sami, it was indeed wise counsel that he left me !

[Sami Khalil]

Good to have them...You are welcome...:)................