Boyhood

Passing for gold in a little boy's heart, are the looks his father pays.

Beside patches of green grass meadow

golden wheat fields wave in the breeze

Beckoning out to all my fellows

come walk through me with ease

 

Upon just such a lazy day

I once casually sauntered by

Hearing the call of nature's beauty

thought that God had spoke just to I

 

With the sound of a lonesome whistle

down the river the steamers rolled

To this the backdrop behind the field

the childhood longing is all told

 

 Across the field dressed all in black

a boy and his team worked the ground

I stood to watch an hour or so

not moving or making a sound

 

A smile as wide as the river

shown across the boys bright face

Perhaps this was the very first time

he had taken his father's place

 

In him I could see a purpose

a reward for his tiny soul

I could tell by the way he worked

nothing would lure him of his goal

 

Long it is since I felt like that

as a boy just going on ten

Doing twice what was asked of me

to be noticed by him again

 

Passing for gold in a boy's heart

are all the looks his father pays

collecting what he can in life

to spend long into older days

 

In him I saw both rhyme and reason

as we all live and pass away

A boy working so hard to grow up

while we men all wish we could play

 

Author's Note

Is there anything that mimics the flow of life better than the big river? The mighty Mississippi rolls on to the sea.

Reviews

[Crowley]

I would like to see your poetry sprinkled about liberally in a documentary series about the history of our country. You have such an edge for nostalgic writing, it almost brings tears to my eyes every time I read something of yours. Your writing is a sophisticated Johnny Cash tune, the sweat off the back of a railroad worker, the glimmer in that young boys eyes when he knows he's done good. I just love it.

[Tate Morgan]

With this one review from eight years ago you cemented my undying gratitude and friendship I appreciate you. Many of the things I wanted to do and managed to accomplish here were directly attributed to a few good friends who through their attention brought a smile to the boy in me thank you

[Crowley]

Tate I have more respect for you than most people. You have been raising family and responsibility to new highs. Your writing always inspired me and you girmness in you political beliefs is to be admired. As one of my longest online friends, let me tell you I couldn’t ask for any better. Thanks for being a decent human being.

[Tate Morgan]

There’s hope for humanity for you and I and our children’s children May we leave them with
read moreThere’s hope for humanity for you and I and our children’s children May we leave them with
Kind thoughts of selfless behavior and a smile . As always your friend Tate

[Tate Morgan]

A better place a kinder beginning a more humane existwmce temlered by selflessness. This world today of narcesistic massaginy is creating a world of megalomaniacs someone has to be a voice of sanity we are that I hope

[Scarlet Pulse]

The last stanza of your poem is such a powerful one. There are lines of others that go great with your poem. I feel some lines may not be necessary, but you did a great job showing and getting the message of boyhood through to the reader. Great job.

[Marie Anzalone]

So true, so true... even more so for girls, I think, who are taught from a very early age it seems to simply not be children at all but act, "Grown-up". I keep thinking that I'm going to invite a whole bunch of people out to my 22 acres fro my 35th birthday for an all-night game of "Capture of the Flag" just to prove them all wrong!

This was a well written piece, Tate, with a very powerful and relatable message.

[sheila russ]

Wow! this is amazing, your writing is a work of art. Each of your line tell the story of "Boyhood" and I,m glad I got to read this. sorry it took so long for me to respond.

[lindsay]

What a lovely poem. I particularly loved the ending, for they are sadly so true. The youth wants to quickly to grow up, while the adults want to be young again. What a great society. Can't we just be happy where we are? Anyways this was nicely written. Great job!

[Alicante lullaby]

just loved it,,,you are such a wonderful learner,always a motive behind every post,,,,so beautifuly you described joy of boys who came first time at the field to work with their father and the state of nevr being contented with what human has,men wanting to play,boys eager to work,,,,lovely write,,,,

[emmajoy]

There's something about this post that makes me feel you enjoyed writing it, maybe the words came quite quickly .. not sure. There's a joy in it, as if a sweet memory rushed to your mind, whether true or just the happy fiction-thought of it.

It's so true, human beings are never really happy-happy .. youngsters want more, oldsters want less .. the young want to adventure, the oldersters want to remember theirs, maybe have the chance to explore more of what's out there!

The mind-picture you've created about the boys wanting to take their fathers' places is lovely and the pic is perfect!

[James Paulin]

A very, very nice poem. I think you have arrived with this form of poetry so spread your wings and try some new forms if the mood strikes you. I loved the message and your choice of verbage.

[MoonlitAngel]

Wow. This was really good, and so true. All the kids want to be grown ups, while all the grown ups really want to be kids again. My parents give me this lecture at least once a month. I would rather them just read me this poem. It explains so much, in just a few verses. Amazing piece.:)

--Blood

[C. Porter]

Nice job! A couple grammar things, but other than that, I LOVE it! Awesome poem and kudos!

[Helen Crutchett]

This was truly amazing Tate. Poetry at its best, you never
disappoint. Beautifully written, graphic awesome....no
I could not fault this one little bit. ~ Helena