Fight the good fight

We all know some one who inspires us, the man continues to inspire me and those who know him

As an unassuming, energetic lad
he enjoyed a bit a craic,
never gleaned or nurtured
like privileged Etonian stock,
his upbringing less kid gloved
he carried his own sack
and sidestepped idle talk,
preferring more to walk the walk

That chosen path was cumbersome
with many a jagged edge
but his gait always upright
with purpose in his stride
and if the way was blocked
he'd always find a wedge,
to help remove the obstacle
then journey on with pride

Born of competitive spirit
he played the gentleman's fine game,
indulged in victory's adulation
reverent in defeat,
aware that when the crowd had gone
it was a moment's fame,
and they'll judge not if you won or lost
but how you did compete

Faced down the aggressive tyrant
affording him scant regard,
the thief he had no time for
chased him from the place,
as for the sly old fox
spouting innuendo, conceit and canard,
he silenced him in one fell blow
when he said it straight to his face

And now a chivalrous octogenarian
still, he has guts and soul,
adversity he obliterates
from a self-effacing, humble turret,
with truth and virtue by his side
he has but one treasured goal,
to onwards fight the good fight
knowing if the flesh should wane...
ever willing is the spirit!

Author's Note

Craic ....is a colloquial word meaning fun, good humour etc.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"To onwards fight the good fight"-yes...stunning, classic, eloquent tribute poem. Superb form, cadence, flow, imagery and rhyme...reflections on the life of an aging athlete- the laurel wreath still green with memories of honor on the field...Love this great poetic portrait. Kudos!

[Tom]

' the laurel wreath still green with memories of honor on the field '. What a awesome line, my sincere thanks Annette!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome Tom!

[LJW]

This is epic!

I heard it in an Irishman's voice.
What command of the language you have.
Great job.

[Tom]

So kind of you to say so, thanks for your visit!

[LJW]

Sure!
My daughter lives in Ireland...whereabouts are you?

[Tom]

Northern Ireland

[LJW]

Bettystown is where she lives.
Can't wait to go back again!

[Great Aunt Astri]

Ever onward with a smile upon your face, playing the game and obliterating adversity ,.... that's the way to do it.
I loved this poem.

[Tom]

Obliterating adversity, I like that!

Thank you Great Auntie !

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I have always loved that painting. You have done a fine job of transforming this man from painting to poem. We should all hope to be so strong and brave.

[Tom]

Thank you Linda!

[Neville]

What we have here folks is another cracker for the old album. Great work Tom

[Tom]

Thanks N. for your always welcome visit!

[J. J. Nightingale]

"he has but one treasured goal,
to onwards fight the good fight "........

This says it all.. a Man of strength of courage
that would not bend nor bow to wordly ways..
He kept on the straight and narrow....

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"...

Always one of my favorite paintings...

I did enjoy... Jazzy

[Tom]

Thank you J.J. for your positive critique!

[J. J. Nightingale]

You are welcome kind Sir...... J.J.

[AYVID N]

They say sports build character and a man's character is so truly reflected in the way he plays his game, faces his competitors and handles victory or defeat. You etched such a fine tribute to a gentleman. This is also a great statement on how life must be lived in and out of the playground.

[Tom]

A mucho belated though nevertheless sincere thank you Divya!

[Author Gus]

I find that most author's are fairly progressive people, not a whole lot of people write about old fashioned ways. This reminded me a little of Louis La'Mour and the western hero.

[Tom]

Thank you Sir !

[barleygirl]

This is a little bit complicated, which prevents an easy reading flow to develop in the reader's mind. I had to re-read to find the right read on each stanza. This is not a criticism, just an observation. I know the same has been said of my writing, too.

Other than that, good construction with rhyme & rhythm, drawing a portrait that's complex, which is true-to-life, & much better than a flat one-dimensional character description. Once I cleared up any muddled feeling with the reading, I saw that you are showing us this interesting person who might've been like a mentor or an example of a life well-lived.

[Tom]

Thank you Barleygirl for your excellent critique, yes indeed...'a life when lived ' and still living it !

[tanmay7551]

aware that when the crowd had gone, it was a moment's fame
and they'll judge not if you win or lose, but how you did compete

These are very inspiring words, Tom.

Any performed whether in sports or life will be uplifted by these words.

[Tom]

Thank you kindly Sir !