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!

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

A nice tribute to a person of good character whom you admire. This reminds me of a great man here who used to be a "clown" to others despite of many adversities in his life.

Nice poem, Tom.

[Tom]

Thank you Dhaye for dropping by & your relatable words !

[EileenMarie]

Craic.. the Gaelic word for a good time. Enjoy life as it's only one we get. In the end it doesn't matter so let the judgemental people judge. Enjoy the ride.
Great write!

[Tom]

Thank you EileenMarie

[wordman]

this is a great story tom,enjoyed the read

[Tom]

Thank you wordman

[Einstein Noodle]

in the end its all we really have .. and whether for good or wasted, i believe, will be answered .. i like the hero in this ..tho born of adversity without much support he made a very good choice for himself ..the Good Book tells all who read it that the path to destruction is wide with many who travel it; but the road to the gates of Heaven is narrow and few who even find it .. [very paraphrased version ;) ]
i enjoyed the language sir .. and the tale .. and the outcome .. a fine positive message to take with me today!
E.

[Tom]

Thank you E. for your astute words and summation of my poem!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of my dad...i wish he could still have his sense of humor...it was quite fun...yet he still has a smile, even at 97 and being a shell of what he once was...

but he has withstood life...and not let it beat him down...he still has so much charisma...even as more days pass...

j.

[Tom]

A fine man indeed Jacob, a fine man & thanks for reading and relating!

[ReedWrite]

Love the flow and rhythm of this poem...and the message is excellent.
Yes, we all know and admire someone like this...and how lucky we are to have those examples in our lives. Beautifully penned.

[Tom]

Thank you RW for your endearing words !

[Sami Khalil]

This poem speaks volumes of this noble, high-spirited and virtuous man who inspired you and many others by words and deeds. A rare coin to find these days. Others who schemed against him or the virtuous in general, will have their day in the court of justice. A wonderful and uplifting poem to all of us, Tom...:)........

[Tom]

Thank you Sami for your ever courteous words!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly. .....::::)))))

[Kathy Van Kurin]

tom,
Life is something to be lived with caution and when wrong turns are made to direct one-self and continue one again. Hopefully with time we can say we fought the good fight as scripture teaches................I hope my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will be pleased with me. Thankyou for your inspiring material! Loved it Kathy

[Tom]

Thank you Kathy for your insightful words !

[Valentine]

Sounds like a man I once knew, my father, one of the best men God made. Valentine

[Tom]

Thank you Valentine..a sound bloke indeed !

[Miss Sharon]

So beautifully written Tom! I love the final stanza and these poignant words of closure...( he has but one treasured goal to onwards fight the good fight, knowing if the flesh should wane...willing is the spirit!) Bravo! ~Sharon

[Tom]

Thank you Sharon, you review is greatly appreciated!