Lessons for Tate

Life isn't easy. It isn't meant to be. I'm not one who believes finishing 3rd is winning. We do children a disservice awarding them trophies for participation. Life is a struggle beginning to end.

Tatortot and I. A few years ago

These scars I wear each tell a tale

of moments I'll never forget

When loves spark, had once left it's mark

and the fates had called in their debt

 

My legs torn by years of abuse

racing horses like all my kin

I'd gone down hard, leaving them scarred

the limestone would tear off your skin

 

But these were offerings of note

in a life spent chasing ideals

Testing extremes, of my own dreams

run down more than once by the wheels

 

Son you can't live your life afraid

of each danger that comes your way

So play the odds, tempt the damn gods

rise up and face each new born day

 

When you are but old and feeble

with your grandchild upon your knee

Tell your stories, of life's glories

show him the scars so he can see

 

A life spent cowering from pain

will  leave you so aching inside

The gift you'd miss, from life's sweet kiss

knowing you never even tried

   

Younger days when I believed. "Ill sleep when I am dead.

 

Reviews

[Patricia B. Hepler]

Sage advice is the best gift from a parent to a child. The way you share this gift is powerful. Excellent.
*pat

[Barbara Walker]

There are many ways to teach a child. As a child, I would have loved to hear this lesson in rhythm and rhyme! Makes it that much more memorable!

[M.Babu]

"But these were offerings of note
in a life I spent chasing ideals
Testing extremes, of my own dreams
run down more than once by the wheels"

I really felt this stanza Tate. Indeed Life is yours to be had, to experience, to learn from the pain, the joy. To love, to feel... There are so many tumultuous times, which at times makes us question our life decisions and lifestyles. But without the trying, wouldn't life be just mundane? I find that pretty useless as we have just about a century to feel...better make them count and worth it? I think so!

Wonderfully written as always my friend!

~M.Babu~

[Manpreet]

As always life expressed in its most elegant form! Love and pain all together. I simply enjoy reading your work. Thanks for sharing !

[Extant]

Definitely a new favourite of mine. "Testing extremes, of my own dreams," such a line to put out there, it resonated with me.

[Becky C Strukamp]

You never grow unless you live. Tate, you always capture life's lessons and convey them masterfully. This is another of finely crafted writes!

[de_maruf]

well done tate

[A.r. Bazian]

my friend... this a masterpiece of wisdom and triumph! a legacy of bravery and will! a word to be handed to your heirs, with your voice sounding still!
pride and valour may be sin, but when in face of destiny, those lessons to begin; a quest for fortune, and for yours fates be win!
i love it!

[Eve]

This was wonderful Tate, I love the pic, what a beautiful boy. An amazing tribute, I love the nostalgia, this was my bio father's fav song, I know it well, have loved it well,
and you are so right, life is never ever easy. memories and loved one make it bearable. love it.