A Young Mans Dreams

Me back when I was a horseman. Circa early 90s

I hardly remembered my dad

from the time when I was a boy

When he left we were all bereft

there alone to fend for our joy

 

So with a pocket full of dreams

I traced the river as it flowed

More like a stray finding his way

I departed the winding road

 

I went out to try my fortune

and find the father I had lost

How I would grow I didn't know

investing my youth was the cost

 

He was a man of single mind

who would rule with an iron fist

Much was my fear when he was near

that I would make it to his list

 

 

After many years we parted

as I developed my own ways

Never dull my life is grateful

to have had those wonder filled days

 

Tate

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Author's Note

The life of a horseman is a tough road.The track is the crossroads . Where a man goes to mortgage his soul to the devil for success. It is where the last refuge of the illiterate met the dregs of humanity. Many if not all of us there were at odds with life. From there we all plied our trades, tested our mettle, and grew to manhood. Life as it has always been presented to me was a struggle. But to a young man who had the advantage of 6 generations of predecessors, it was a river of humanity running free. Just as the wind that blew across my cheek each race. Every day the races allowed a man to redeem himself from the day before. To be reborn each and every night. I love the adventure my life has been. And think we all love the feeling of climbing aboard a horse and melding our powers with theirs. Becoming a hybrid of flesh and steel. Increasing our powers ten fold. To be for all intensive purposes a god for a couple minutes. The track for a young man is such a place. It is a microcosm of both the world we live in, and the world of the past that our ancestors lived in. With salvation at the end of the rainbow. At 18 I set out to find the world I had lost. I held 50 dollars to my name. Little did I know I was in for a adventure Ali Baba would have envied.

Reviews

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

I especially like the second stanza..Yes, there are crossroads in our lives and what we do at those crossroads determine who we become..Enjoyed your work..Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work,.Sunflower

[Rikkevi Rue]

the poem is good but the authors note is the poetry of life, where the lines don't all rhyme and the metaphors may not totally fit, but the sheer driving power and necessity to survive lifts ones spirit up like a soaring-bird on the wind. Your writing is captivating and your story is intriguing Tate. Why don't you tell it, you should write a book. At least a chapter or two is outlined above and the house fire is worthy of a chapter...

As for the poem I like the second stanza best. The poem makes me eager to hear more about the life of a racer. Can you write a poem that conveys the thrill of the race and handling a racehorse? Selfish of me to ask, but then your poetry has turned me into a greedy child wanting more ice cream -LOL :-)

[No use.]

beautifully driven on the rocky roads of humanity~ i admire such strength!

[Paul Okeke]

you always inspire me with your write ups

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

you craft a deeply moving poetic tale~ thank you

[Mauricio Montoya]

Going back to memories of adventure made this a good write,
Great job, well done.

[An owl on the moon]

You write with such a longing heart... looking back across time and space.. and there is a wondering that filters through each line. Powerful memories that linger yet today.

[the_stoic]

your life's myriad experiences are in themselves worth treasuring and sharing .. the way you weave and present them in words just adds the icing that makes the delicacy - your poem even more delicious ! keep writing :)

[Lena M. P.]

You touched on the essence of this life in both the poem and the note. I have been around horses and horse racing much of my life and you spoke true. Nicely written (as usual) my friend.

[Bard Constantine]

Not sure which was better, the poem or the note. I do know that both were enthralling. You have a natural storytelling style; a 'voice' that demands attention. Outstanding writing, my friend...