Heart of a Lion

My rendition of Drake Cooper and his dog Dodger.

His play he would be forsaking

facing the darkness we all fear

Soul aching tiny heart breaking

oh how he wished that I were near

 

The matriarch of his small clan

was ill and finally dying

It was his plan to act the man

while inside his heart was crying

 

I had finished my latest book

which I dedicated to Drake

The Ties That Bind weren’t so kind

as I heard his little heart break

 

I sent him the book to peruse

in the hopes that it would cheer him

To ease the blues and heal his bruise

though the diagnosis was grim

 

He took her my book with the note

opened it to the beginning

Where he read the quote,  I had wrote

his face all aglow and grinning

 

In the end what could any say

to this child who loves his small clan

Love whispered stay,  don't run away

to this boy forced to be a man

 

Tate

Author's Note

Little Drakes grandmother passed away a week later and he was extremely upset. If I could do anything for him I would. He has taken it as well as any man would. But times like these we don't want him to have to be a man. We want him to live out his childhood as a boy. I can tell you the tears of a child can break the heart of any man!
This was the dedication I wrote in the front of my newest book
The Ties That Bind
I dedicate this book to Drake Cooper
A young boy of unique talent and intellect. In him I see the great handy work of the Almighty. His was the heart that once reached out to mine. When I was most alone. I will always be grateful. He bought me my first poetry album. Then inspired me to fill it with my writing. Possessed with the heart of a lion and soul of a poet. Meeting him was one of the greatest gifts I ever received. He will always be loved by me.
Tate

Reviews

[LadyNaida]

Aww this is so beautiful. I loved the title without even reading the poem. But now that I read the poem it's amazing. This little boy is blessed to have you as a father figure.

[Veronica Chandler]

Heart of a lion moved me; it touched me in a very tender spot. When we get rare and deep connections with someone, we are forever altered in ways never to be fully understood. A friend and I were the victims of kidnap and..." I was able escape the worst of it and to get help for us both. For years I have been thanked for saving a life, but truth be told, that night saved my life. The bond is deep and we will deeply, always love eachother. I felt that emotional connection in this piece Tate, Drakes beautifully wise at the same time sad eyes took it to a another level for me.
Thank You.

[Valentine]

Beautiful poem and a wonderful tribute to the little guy. If his gift inspired you to write...perhaps your gift will inspire others to write also..Loved this one Tate..Kathie

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

the care and compassion with which you have relayed this moving poetic is extraordinarily touching~ beautiful~

[G. K. Bostic]

This is quite amazing in its message and its love. I think it's a special gift to have the talent to express your feelings for him. He sounds like a such a wonderful young man to inspire such words. This poem touches the heart.

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

"Do a deed of simple kindness; though its end you may not see, it may reach, like widening ripples, down a long eternity."
Taking that extra minute to help reach out to someone even if we don't know what to do or what to say. It can mean so much at times when they need it most. The giver and given are both blessed. Wonderful story to share.

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

Wow. This poem is one touching tribute to a special child.
Another inspirational work Tate.

[JulieNorell]

This is beautiful...I really like it. When I was younger I and my sister had a neighbor, he was crippled, but everyday after school we would run to his house while my mom dashed off to work. We used to play card games and he would always make us ramen noodles and watch The Simpsons on channel 24. We moved a few years later. But I found his obituary. There was no one at his funeral and Oh how I wish I would have been there for him!
This poem struck me deeply.

[Robin]

truly heart touching , indeed a gift ... recognized

[Fran Marie]

A poignant piece; yet heartwarming and beautifully penned~ you write with such a tenderness in a caring loving manner, very nicely done