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.

[Tommy]

A timeless piece to match a timeless friendship! Man you really can touch the heart. I have been lucky enough to have a few people in my life who have impacted me in such a way. Some have passed, but remain a part of my soul that I carry with me day after day. And for those who remain this piece reminds me to love each and every moment I am blessed to share with them.

RLG,
Tommy

[AlieahRose]

THIS POEM MADE ME FEEL...
AT EASE WITH MYSELF...
I FELT PEACE...
THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL...
AND THE SONG WAS NICE TOO...

[Nautili]

Wonderful tribute to a worthy friend. You are a very lucky man for such a mentor in your life.

[Shelly Braen]

This is absolutely a marvel. It is crisp, clean, and so very loving. You do your friend a great honor with this piece. Such a friend, one could only hope to meet in their lifetime. Your prose, as always, flow brilliantly and seem to breathe off the tongue, like a romantic sigh. Beautiful, beautiful work.

[Richard Williams]

This captures that precious connection we are sometimes blessed to experience, the fortune we can find with someone special as a friend. This reminds me so much of someone I knew and cared for, in the last few years of his life. You write this with a simplicity and heartfelt skill, advancing the realization of our gain when another walks and comforts us in friendship. A smile for the heart.

[Allison]

Wow.. this got to me.
I am young, in my teens, and I must say I have had one really good friend who I always feel is by my side. Is he one of these gold souls that you speak of? I am not sure, and I don't think I'll ever know until I grow older. But until then, I have your poetry to stand by my side, because no matter what it is I read of yours, it never fails to amaze and comfort me.
Very, very touching. A beautifully written poem.

-Pokie

[Magdelena]

OMG Tate. You know there was not one thing that I didn't like on this. The picture was absolutely fabulous. The words, meaning, my Lord, they blew me away.. Once again my dear man you have managed to make me tear as your words flew past my eyes..

You make me so smile.

Mags xxx

[Invisible Ink]

I love the photo. I prefer a smaller font so I can see more of the poem at one time.
Great first stanza, I really like the inverted language, it makes it a treat to read, a little more work (lol to rain kissed, the lazy teenager... can't be lazy with poetry... if you can, it's probably not that good)...I just read it 3 times and haven't read anymore b/c it is so good... the image of him now and before, your feelings of respect and reverence come through without you saying it, very nice!
wow, now I've made it through the first 3 stanzas, with serious goosebumps! they are just as strong as the 1st! A joy to read!

[Rain Kissed Secret]

I like how while I'm reading the poem, it allows me to pause and think about what I think it means, and what I think you mean by writing it. Though I do believe that you could maybe make your language usage more modern...? Not to be mean, but you're dealing with Teenagers who really don't have that large of vocabulary or we're just too lazy to use it/look it up if we have to. I don't know. Maybe I'm just being my silly teenager self :P all in all, I really admire your work Tate.