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

[roarke]

Lots going on here on many levels. LIfe lessons, forgiveness, redemption, realizations. A true crucible moment. Recognizing it and remembering it to write about it and pass it forward is another example of kindness and grace.

Nice pics btw.

[George Love]

Harness racing is the most dangerous form of horse racing, and the rewards can be breat, but with that come the great loses. Well penned, and a hard one to relate to the reader, yet you did so with skill and precision.

[Crowley]

Super good lesson in this one, life has a way of teaching us things in so many different ways, but its the hard lessons learned that seem to make the most impact. Great writing Tate...loved it. Cool slideshow app.

[An owl on the moon]

How we all need models for us to follow.. those who show us how life is to be lived..Thank you for sharing this story with us all and being the light so many need...

[Magdelena]

Another treasure Tate.. Not only do you take us along your thoughts but you also let us take a small glimpse into a part of your true self that many of us try to keep hidden.. I say bravo to that. And to this wonderful message of what you went through once upon a time.

Mags xx

[Omar Fendri]

insightful write: a great story (worthy to read) about a precious man.
Deep meanings are sending out a very golden message.
It's awesome...

[River Wilson]

I could see this play out in my head, what an amazing man...what an amazing father.
This is a great write Tate, you should get all of these published in a book.
River

[Havatara]

That's so sad, what happened. I'm glad you could write about it.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Tate your rhythm is always superb as are your messages. A wonderful moving write.
Thank you!
Light,
Siddartha