Life Learned

For Ewell and Barry Binkley and Sir Dancalot

Tate Morgan

 

With all my friends I share this tale

it's a lesson I've known so long

Of a father and his young son

who shared a bond both deep and strong

 

There had been a wreck in the chute

at Louisville Downs were we raced

My fellows mount lie on the ground

a youthful mistake born of haste

 

The boy was somewhere near my age

a score minus one or two years

His fathers dreams were not to be

as hope ground to dust mixed with tears

 

Barry was inconsolable

at the accident he had caused

Pride injured on the field of youth

time suspended as judgment paused

 

His hand on his sons shoulder

I found wisdom in what Ewell taught

Gave to me just one more lesson

a gesture not wasted I thought

 

His father turned to walk away

tears cascading from his sad face

He granted his boy redemption

in an act of kindness and grace

 

To this very day I look back

when tested by my own dear son

Remembering that one great man

who had showed me how it was done

 

Author's Note

A lesson in forgiveness. I remember this as if it were yesterday. Ewell shed no tears till he turned to walk away. His heart broken at the sight. The horse was Sir Dancalot. The horse had reared up flipped over hit his head and died on the spot. Ewells horse was dead his son still alive. He recognized this right off. To Barry he granted absolution. If ever I saw the hand of God in anything it was there and then. I will forever be grateful to him for this lesson in Life! A Giant of a man Ewell Binkely.

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Tate,

Thanks for putting on to this poem. You know how much I enjoy the romanticism of your themes, but this one is a true beauty. Excellent message and wonderfully delivered. This is definitely one of your best efforts. Excellent flow.

Best regards,

Rick

[Keith]

Ah yes, moments like these sorts the extra good parents. Extend this to the ones who support drug addict children etc . Nicely put into words, great poem , love the last line. I hope you are not being tested now

[Tate Morgan]

Hi Keith I am glad you stopped by .No I am not being tested at the moment .I am, off on vacation the end of next week with my son of 17 my daughter and grandaughter and wife. Looking forward to it .However it is no doubt my last chance to be with my son on a family vacation.At 17 he will be gone with friends after this. Kinda saddens me now to think about that. I did my best though and he has turned out well.I can ask no more of him than what he has become.A good decent man.

[Keith]

Excellent, Tammy B touched on this subject recently, I know it well. 6 months ago my wife and I were in a big empty house. Two sons have since moved back , one in a cabin out the back, so with their wives &kids no longer quiet.. 2 year old and 6 mth grndchildren, plus one on the way.Luvin it! So you never know.

[Tate Morgan]

I could stand that.Unlike most i dont want to see my kids off to the world.I want them to be happy and I am grateful for the yrs I have had.But the empty nest syndrome doesn't feel good to me.I would be a father the rest of my days if I could.

[Barbara Walker]

I have to say, I feel very blessed to have made your acquaintance. Your values are high and you realize that life is many lessons to be learned. You "see" so much, that others are blind to and you give us the gift of sharing what you have learned, in such eloquent prose. Thank you, Tate!

[Marie]

A beautiful poem and a lesson to be learned. Keep your priorities straight.

[Robbie~xoxo~]

This is beautiful. An act of kindness...to grant redemption. A lesson worth learning.

"He granted his son redemption
in an act of kindness and grace

To this very day I look back
when tested by my own dear son
Remembering that one great man
that had showed me how it was done"~Heartfelt, indeed.

[Wendy Seames Garner]

The world needs more role models like that. You were lucky to be allowed that peek at a great father, and to have learned the lesson, which I'm sure you have passed down to your own son. Well done, Tate!

[Abdul Aziz]

This is absolutely terrific! Your humility and eagerness to learn to tread on the right path shows in this poem. You know I like all your poems, and this is no exception. Brilliantly written, with a great moral to boot!

[LadyNaida]

This is a wonderful picture of what true forgiveness should be.