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

[My Fair Lady]

I always love it when you reflect on Drake.

[Julie Beth]

this was sad i hope he makes it through this hard time great write :)

[Lindsay]

A boy forced to feel the harsh realities that we as adults cannot help but to shoulder. What strikes me is the paradox of his youth and innocence, yet the strength that you describe in him. You seem to learn more from him than he does from you, regardless of either of your ages. The truth is that this is his struggle. This is what will cause him to emerge on the other side a stronger person. I wish Drake the best and will keep him in my thoughts and feelings as he sits with the reality of his grandmother's position and, consequently, his own. Good luck to the both of you.

[Cats Eye]

This is very sad, I remeber the loss of my grandmother I was young and very close to her.

[Sincerely, Alex]

That was absolutely lovely. The ending was extremely powerful and made my heart ache. A beautiful piece of writing.
A beautiful dedication as well.

[Morrigan Nicole]

sad.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Tate, your words are so touching! It is so nice to have a friend like that, one you can always count on!

[KAREN]

A beautiful heartfelt write!

[Pauline Marie Daley]

Too often we see young children forced to grow up before their time. Unfortunatly the childhood they long for is taken from them.... nice job.

[Zeek4]

My gosh that was definitely a tear jerkier and filled with compassion. We all go through it, and it's never easy, especially when so young.