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

[VioletRose]

That was a really touching poem Tate! Well written!

[Lena M. P.]

A wonderful story to a great man. Thank you for sharing.

[WeekendWriter]

Your poems touch.... light hand on a soft heart.

Inspiring.

[Halkhend]

wow i really understand that becouse i have horses most people dont understand how deep the bond can run with an animal this is very good

[Poetic Beauty]

The flow of this poem is smooth as always. The topic you wrote about is one that we all should think about.

[lindsay]

A heartfelt meaning and story all amazingly crafted into one poem. Great job Tate.

[Prateeksha Khot]

beautiful, sad, touching, profound. I think no number of words will be able to aptly describe this poem