Fond Memory of the Years

Mike Clevenger

What will they say when we are gone

to tell of the days we have known

May they never measure our worth

by our  life’s failure, to have grown

 

Pray they say that kindness was found

in a world surrounded by pain

That we had given more than took

trying our best, to not be vain

 

I wish my friends to know of me

that I see them as a treasure

The pains of our lives that we share

are the jewels, by which I measure

 

When winters cold seems to descend

from the North Winds that blow a gale

Take heart that you are not alone

then may love, lift and fill your sail

 

When the sands of life all run out

should you pass on before I go

This world will know you had a friend

as over you, my tears will flow

 

Tate

Author's Note

To all who have known the trials of a life beset with tribulation. I would just like to say the things that make life worth living are not to be found in pursuit of wealth. I never remembered anyone fondly for the station they held in life. True wealth for me is held within the hearts of those I have loved and who dared to love me. When I first wrote this piece it lacked an owner, as I waited for the one who might deserve it. Such was the case when my friend passed into memory. Mike died on my wedding anniversary February 13th 2013.
When my house caught fire Mike helped me rebuild it. He was my neighbor. Last week I buried my truck in a ditch. He came over with his tractor and pulled me home. Many times we set outside and cooked on the grill laughed and shared the stories of our painted lives. He was siding his home this summer. However he only finished half of it. So little Tate and I will help Matt his son and Matt Jr finish what my friend could not. I would just say that he left many loved ones behind. Three grandchildren in particular that adored him and a good friend, who counts him above all the rest. I dont know what Mike believed in the way of religeon. I couldn't think of any more fitting music for this piece than Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. That because Mike loved country music and was to me at least the iconic representation of Rooster Cogburn. His was the rough exterior of a man with a heart of gold. He was simply one of the finest men I ever knew, cut from the cloth of
True Grit!

Tate

Reviews

[Rikkevi Rue]

Hey Buddy, why is it that i always feel like somebody reached out and wrapped something around me when I read your poems? As if words transcend the physical universe and permeate right through my computer screen and touch me. I half way don't want to come to your page because i know i will read some new verse of yours that is so sentient, so darned real that it will barge right into my inner world and stir up a bunch of emotion and thoughts. Can't you just stay on your OWN side of the country Morgan!

Of course the poem is of high quality craft and of course the topic is contemporarily salient and of course you as usual have correctly judged your audience and of course you have evoked a major response and of course...

Why the hell do these simple, earnest voicings of yours always keep me coming back here...funny how those musings that come straight from the heart can penetrate right through any barrier whether distance, ethnic differences, educational discrepancies, geographical perspective, etc etc...

The warrior raises his sword and the poet slays him with his pen ;-)

[Tate Morgan]

To this day and through some 20,000 reviews or so I still feel this to be the most endearing I have ever received. I tip my hat to you sir in deference to your kindness.

[Alewis]

Really amazing you seriously wowed me with this :)

[Sarah Redigan]

WOW Tate that's amazing .. and so true we all have those feelings

[R J Askew]

This is a lovely sentiment well captured. You have your finger of the pulse of what really matters in life. We live busy often cynical lives. We definitely need reminding of the feelings you evoke for us. We NEED our poets to say these things. Sometimes we are too embarassed to say them, too shy, or just can't sort our words or feelings out right. But you do.

Tmr, Weds Jan 4, I'm going to the funeral of a man who died just before Xmas aged about 48. He was a builder who did work in my house. My wife and I can't claim to be close friends, not at all. But he was a lovely guy. He was straight, trustworthy, and had a wicked grin. I don't want to go to a funeral. But when I think about the guy I think that his life was a good one, a bright light. So I will go and get my feelings right tmr. I am sure the builder guy will leave a great great many shining memories for those who knew him well.

[A.r. Bazian]

Suggestion:
Then tried our best, not in vain...

astonishing work my dear friend!

it sounds out the pain in the lonesome plies of my core!

[Kelly M.]

One must always treasure those timeless moments with the people you love. This was a very dear poem-- written from the heart. You have a gentle way with words that leave an impact. Thank you for a great read! :D

~Kelly~

[.........]

this is a heartfelt poem, that holds true at any point in one's life. you seem to really believe the things you're saying, the emotions that you say. it's very well written and flows extremely well, and the imagery you use effortlessly "works" for me. i can picture sort of a slow, current in the water, and a slow sun, especially at the point where you said "that may love lift and fill your sail". It's sort of a calming poem, genuinely, and you did a great job writing this. Im glad i read it.

[rwar ish me]

this is a very nice piece
Its well written
Very nice job
~Amai

[Kenneth The Poet]

A powerful piece for sure. A well of experience to learn from is found here. A work of art beyond measure. I like the last two stanzas best.

[Raven Starhawk]

This creates fond memories as well as brings up old ones. When I read this I think of my darling little one and how much she means to me. Your words are caressed with love and caring for someone very meaningful to you and your writing is a tribute to that.

[msharma]

An honest message shared, truly passionate blend of thoughts run the whole poem, always marvelous penning.