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

[Hanan_Maliah]

I wouldn't expect anything less from my readings of your work...always incredible!

[Alicante lullaby]

ohhh a very Tate write..how sensitive you are to what happens around you...i wish all parents were that forgiving...i wanted to take Arts in college but they didn't let me....sometimes,its hard to forsake your dreams for others...

[StoryTailor]

Well, All of your pieces are incredible. I don't know why but there's something about them that I like.
I'd say more, but I get to be quite repetitive...

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

Such an important poem, and the Song Heart of the matter: how divinly true.. it is about forgivness and there is nothing better to give or recieve , such a beautiful poem I am reminded by it..that is why it is important..

[emmajoy]

The empathy and grace of the father for and to his son is something the young man would never forget .. tis so easy to let rip when something like the above happens - it's a knee-jerk reaction .. but for a fleeting second to see how broken and shocked a young man is can draw on all the strengths and love a father has. That action showed just was love is, displayed to anyone else watching that forgiveness and understanding is paramount in life and, in anything and everything. That's regardning the content of your poem.

The actual writing flows along, metre fine and not dramatically overstated, tells how it is .. converts poem into story into moral.

Thank you for sharing .. as always.

[Tommy]

This is wonderfully written, with the passionate message of, "To forgive is divine." I wonder if the world could take this message to heart when looking upon the rest of humanity. Wouldn't it be great if we could look upon our fellow man and forgive in the way you have expressed doing so for your son.

Fine message indeed my friend.
RLG
Tommy

[Jenny Nelson]

A lovely, touching piece. Very nice!

[vandana]

Lovely poem...the act of forgiveness is to be cherished.

[LonelySoul]

Awesome