The Man I Never Knew

When my cousin died last month unexpectedly, I had to admit that he was a different--and Vastly Better!-- person than whom I had known as a child. This commemorates that "Eureka!" moment...

THE MAN I NEVER KNEW

 

The Man I Never Knew is here

Surrounded by his friends.

A thousand times, in a hundred ways,

He’d sought his life to end!

 

 

A Prodigal he was, in fact;

Fled from Love and Lovers, too!

My cousin Skipper, lying here:

The Man I Never Knew!

 

 

For in his later years, he’d met

Another Man, and in His debt

And to His Name consigned his life,

And brought an end to all his strife!

 

 

Now in the nave sit weeping there

A Wife, a Daughter, two Grandsons fair,

Cousins, nieces, conjoined in Pain…

But Skipper’s feeling naught but gain!

 

 

At last, no fleshly burdens bear--

To his Father he may freely go,

To join his Mom and Daddy there:

A man we were all proud to know!

 

MARK TEAGUE

March 15, 2009

 

Reviews

[cest la vie]

Now this is an awesome tribute. You wrote so fondly and with compassion. I wonder why people just don't say what they have to say to the living. You made me think of some family I need to touch base with. I do not want to be at their funeral saying, "I wish I had". Thank you for sharing this personal and well written poem.
Lynne

[Sheila Kline]

A truly moving, and fitting write of memorial to a most special man!
!
You have given us a glimpse into the life of one who shall surely be remembered in your heart for the span of your lifetime!

Your beautiful tribute of caring is well done!!

[Lizanne]

Beautiful tribute to your cousin. Evidently someone that really turned his life around and became a person that was of value to many other people. I am sure that his family would love to read this, if you have not already shared it with them. To see a weeping family, is to bear witness to the fact that they have truly lost someone they greatly loved.

[Seriana]

Wow, remind me when I am on my deathbed to have you write my eulogy!! This is pretty awesome. You have an awesome way with your presentation. Everything, even the most desparing of topics, you present with a happy flair. Nicely done Mark.

[Gheeneil]

I like the title. If we take a deeper look INTO every one, we'll see a different person, whom we haven't had the chance of seeing. Nice one.

[None]

This is a wonderful tribute to family. A nice way to remember and never forget "the man you never knew."