My Friend

He is the greatest soul I have known. Born to hardship and through pain, he alone showed me the meaning to life.

George and Ann's wedding. Salvaged from 8 mm film.

He falters now where once trod firm

I helped him whenever I could

Here was he, whose favor I'd sought

frail body where the man once stood

 

My spirit soared and loves him still

he had heard my heart’s lonesome cries

When I was the child of few years

while he a man grown old and wise

 

His was the soul I based mine on

the kind spirit who loved me most

Strength of purpose flowed from his mind

now stands this vision like a ghost

 

I bear witness as time runs out

where once I advanced in his sight

Both by favor and through merit

his eyes beheld my future bright

 

In time may we all find our place

helping others achieve their dream

While I could only hope to be

held by someone in such esteem

 

He's lost none of his true spirit

that still holds to my heart so dear

I will follow where this heart leads

every day of every year

                               George and I at Tates Graduation 5/24/14

Author's Note

Some of us have had the pleasure of meeting a selfless soul.And thankfully never forgot it .
I wrote this for my friend George whose heart led me through life. Would that I could grant him a few of my own years.
I feel the hand of time on my shoulder. Reminding me that life is precious! What is the value of a man? It has become quite evident that I will have to face this pending loss. I hope I can do this with the dignity befitting this man.
"Thank you George."

Reviews

[roarke]

I appreciate the strength in a man that can genuinely pay such an honest, heart true homage to someone. The positive flow and respectful tone spoken here is hard earned in humility and courage. May we all discover this in our lives.
You've learned well Tate, bravo.

[Tate Morgan]

I never got the chance to thank you for this as we werent able to do so 7 years ago when you wrote it. I thank you now as George passed away two days ago. I look back on the memory of this man with utter reverence,love and respect.

[Ellen Hammond]

This beautiful tribute to a special older friend, brought tears to my eyes as it brings to mind 2 very dear friends who shared so much wisdom and love with me. The have passed on on at the ages of 80 and 95 but live on in my heart. You are blessed to still have George in your life though I know the feeling of realizing you may lose him someday.

Tate, you have such a wonderful way of expressing gratitude and really appreciation for those who touched your life in a special way. Expertly penned, as always.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I took a long time to learn how to convert the old fragile 8mm film to a dvd and then to 3 different languages to be able to post it to you tube and then to here .Years ago George gave me all of his hrs and hrs of 8mm films to try to do something with them as they were no longer usable in their present form When he saw this he cried. Neither he nor his wife had seen the video in over 40 yrs. There is a process from fuji that scans these old film and makes them digital without destroying them

[Ellen Hammond]

That is awesome!

[Tate Morgan]

By the way thank you

[Dayran]

A wonderful spirit that creates a picture of life and love ... and makes the world beautiful. A nice poem old friend.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you friend George is a great man I like sharing his life and times

[Muse]

What an awesome tribute Tate. Your words show a humble admiration for this man. As usual, your talent is used to forever immortalize a soul through your beautiful poetry.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Beth I am sorry i forgot to respond to this review i am getting so absent minded

[Frieda P]

This is a poignant treasure Tate....sounds like an amazing man, I think some of his fortitude and spirit certainly rubbed off on you. Love the old movie too.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Yeah when i took that movie to his house converted by fuji to a cd He and his wife were in tears over it

[Frieda P]

I'm sure he must have been jazzed by your words too...I really do love those old photos/movies.

[Tate Morgan]

he told me that being my friend has made his and Ann's lives so much richer he has no idea how he has saved mine

[Frieda P]

He must be overlooking the crazy parts ;-)

[Tate Morgan]

yeah he musta lol

[Marie]

I read this poem almost a year ago. I still fac the impending loss I face then. I am thankful every day that it has not happened yet.

[Tate Morgan]

I am sorry to hear that as we all know this feeling . May it pass in time and become a treasured memory of days goner bye

[Linda Moon]

A beautiful tribute to one's heart and soul; to embrace this and continue to carry on the love...

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Linda I am glad to be able to write this for him before he is gone

[Seashell]

What a fitting tribute Tate.
I wish we could all know a 'George'
Xx

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you babs It is a great feeling to be friends

[lee von cleef]

Honor is not just a word .Honor is action .Tate thank you for blazing a trail to follow, leading writers to move their writing skills beyond a craft, developing a rhythm that truly can sway our souls, Some call it art, me I call it confidence, a confidence developed only through lots of purposeful practice, Practice that lets you write in soul.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Lee I had hoped to honor my friend before he passed away and think I have finally done so

[Fabian G. Franklin]

What is the value of a man? I think it is the love, hope and faith he imparts to others and you seem to find that worth is this man quite readily. I enjoyed the read.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you so much Fabian. Yes you are correct the value of this man at least lay in his ability to instill joy in others .

[Oyindamola Shoola]

I couldn't see the video but I read the poem...it is beautiful, to be able to write about some one this way
'he was the soul I based mine on'...he should be really special...there just some friends you never let go,
especially ones who fill in the lyrics you forget or miss out in life's song...thanks for sharing.

[Tate Morgan]

Did you happen to view this via cell phone by chance?