The Blade

I know someday he'll cut himself as boys always seem to do Mixing his blood, with tears and mud to each owner it ever knew

Drake and I. Father son night at school.

My grandfather was a marine

who made us think he could spit nails

Forged in the war, baked to the core

a man honed from his life’s travails

From him came my own father

whom then worked sun up to sunset

Driving horses, on race courses

of a life I'll never forget

 

My grandfather had owned a knife

where it came from I'll never know

Held by this man, whose own life span

had never bent nor been laid low

He passed that knife to my father

who in turn then gave it to me

And through our blood, the dirt and mud

it had bound itself to all three

 

I met Drake when he was seven

a troubled, angry, lonesome, child

This wondrous brain, who hid his pain

in a heart that was brash and wild

He'd touched my soul in such a way

I couldn't help but feel his pain

So unafraid, I gave that blade

forging a link to my own chain

 

I know someday he'll cut himself

as boys always seem to do

Mixing his blood, in tears and mud

to each owner it ever knew

I wish I could have been Drake's dad

so sad that I wasn't the one

I hoped he'd see, this gift from me

was meant from a father to son

Author's Note

Drake and I have had a bond that was as strong as any father and child. I passed my knife onto Drake because he would appreciate it. I had hoped whenever he held it he would think of the bond between us.

Reviews

[Veronica Chandler]

This moving piece reminds me of just how profound an impact we have on the lives of one another; truly there is no measure sufficient to judge how a small and simple gesture can and does change the very fabric of people. Something which may seem a kind and moving gesture, may in the end, turn out to change the very course of a persons life. That simple act can grow exponentially and reach far beyond our wildest imaginings. Even our highest hopes for someone could easily be surpassed by the actual good, in the end created by a simple, thoughtful act of kindness. Those that came before us blazed the trail and made the way clearer for all those to come afterwards. I doubt your grandfather could have imagined how his legacy touched the life of someone he would never know.

""Every boy that has a father missing from his life, has a hole inside his soul the size and shape of his father. The mother can raise a good citizen, an educated man with good ethics and values, but he will always have that hole inside his soul; the size and shape of his father."
~Oprah~

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Veronica.It didn't go unnoticed by me that Oprah agrees with Mark Ric and I. Happiness is a joyous child.

[Buddhistboy73]

This is truly an exceptionally heartfelt write....the bond between older man and younger pupil is like time without beginning. You do a good job of conveying the emotions here...the bloody knife, the passing of lessons from older to younger...

The true message of a compassionate heart. Something today;s youth would truly benefit from....a mentor...

Great write.:)
BB

[Tate Morgan]

Budd thank you I was simply wanting to leave him something of me to remember me by

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Budd very heartfelt

[Robbie~xoxo~]

We all have some form of connection whether by blood or not... still, the bond can be strong. You have forged a wonderful relationship of a paternal figure for someone special... Very moving write, my friend...Truly endearing Tate!~xo~

[Tate Morgan]

Robbie you are a sweet hearted woman. Too much women for most men though lol

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Robbie as always you are a jewel

[Jack...]

Very touching and beautifully written. The rhyme and meter are superb. Very good my friend.

[Tate Morgan]

jack I owe you so many i will be there in a minute coffees almost roasting

[Jack...]

No problem at all

[Tate Morgan]

Hi jack heard you last night very nice piece so glad to hear it is being published.

[Coyote Poetry]

I have my father favorite 32 pistol. I hold the gun and bring back the memory of my father cleaning the gun. I hope to give the gun to my son. Old gifts have value because of the person who held them first. I enjoyed the poem. We are taught to be strong people by our elders. Funny part. I hear my father and Grandfather voice when I speak. Thank you for the outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Tate Morgan]

I hear my father and grandfather in my voice as well Thank you

[Tate Morgan]

Coyote thank you for reviewing this as always you are an .

[Baby Ricochet]

That really is a beautiful sentiment Tate. Outstanding work.

[Tate Morgan]

thank you ric thank you so much

[J Todd Underhill]

Very strong write my friend loved the story and the back story at the end, well written and the meter is very complimentary to spoken word are I almost heard you reading it in my mind as I was pouring over it. Bravo!

[Tate Morgan]

Thanks Todd i am so glad it went over well

[Tate Morgan]

thank you for reviewing Drakes poem.It is a real honor to be able to be on your show each Friday. You are a true prince among men.