Boyhood

Passing for gold in a little boy's heart, are the looks his father pays.

Beside patches of green grass meadow

golden wheat fields wave in the breeze

Beckoning out to all my fellows

come walk through me with ease

 

Upon just such a lazy day

I once casually sauntered by

Hearing the call of nature's beauty

thought that God had spoke just to I

 

With the sound of a lonesome whistle

down the river the steamers rolled

To this the backdrop behind the field

the childhood longing is all told

 

 Across the field dressed all in black

a boy and his team worked the ground

I stood to watch an hour or so

not moving or making a sound

 

A smile as wide as the river

shown across the boys bright face

Perhaps this was the very first time

he had taken his father's place

 

In him I could see a purpose

a reward for his tiny soul

I could tell by the way he worked

nothing would lure him of his goal

 

Long it is since I felt like that

as a boy just going on ten

Doing twice what was asked of me

to be noticed by him again

 

Passing for gold in a boy's heart

are all the looks his father pays

collecting what he can in life

to spend long into older days

 

In him I saw both rhyme and reason

as we all live and pass away

A boy working so hard to grow up

while we men all wish we could play

 

Author's Note

Is there anything that mimics the flow of life better than the big river? The mighty Mississippi rolls on to the sea.

Reviews

[Crowley]

I would like to see your poetry sprinkled about liberally in a documentary series about the history of our country. You have such an edge for nostalgic writing, it almost brings tears to my eyes every time I read something of yours. Your writing is a sophisticated Johnny Cash tune, the sweat off the back of a railroad worker, the glimmer in that young boys eyes when he knows he's done good. I just love it.

[Tate Morgan]

With this one review from eight years ago you cemented my undying gratitude and friendship I appreciate you. Many of the things I wanted to do and managed to accomplish here were directly attributed to a few good friends who through their attention brought a smile to the boy in me thank you

[Crowley]

Tate I have more respect for you than most people. You have been raising family and responsibility to new highs. Your writing always inspired me and you girmness in you political beliefs is to be admired. As one of my longest online friends, let me tell you I couldn’t ask for any better. Thanks for being a decent human being.

[Tate Morgan]

There’s hope for humanity for you and I and our children’s children May we leave them with
read moreThere’s hope for humanity for you and I and our children’s children May we leave them with
Kind thoughts of selfless behavior and a smile . As always your friend Tate

[Tate Morgan]

A better place a kinder beginning a more humane existwmce temlered by selflessness. This world today of narcesistic massaginy is creating a world of megalomaniacs someone has to be a voice of sanity we are that I hope

[M. J. Smith]

At age sixteen, we falsified my age just to obtain electric service in my name because Mama couldn't pay the bills on minimum wage. I took a job in the school cafeteria to help out. Boyhood, such as it was, ended fast. I looked at my fellow teens with their wild parties, large groups of wild friends, and yes, a certain snobbery, with disdain. I had responsibilities and pride that I would be trusted with such big things. But poverty had left it's Mark. I didn't fit in, the perrenial misfit. But maybe, somehow, I had a better life then most. I fought my addictions, each in turn, and mastered them with the same stubborn pride the gave my the power to face life on my own terms. I see the beauty in your words. And I have been that observer, often reminded of Tom Sawyer or Little House on the Prairie. Maybe that's why I became The Drifter! :) A beautiful poem, friend.

[Tate Morgan]

I can understand your pain. We had horses as a child my father broke every child labor law there was feeding 20 head of horses taking them to the blacksmith cleaning their stalls jogging in training them along with going to school and doing chores wasn’t really a lot of fun

[M. J. Smith]

You know what? I wouldn't change it. I had to leave to find out who I was. But that early exposure to work and duty gave me tools other young people didn't have. Peer pressure rolled off me like water off a duck's back. Others I knew weren't so fortunate. Hard as my life was, I had food, shelter, clothing, and a couple of real friends. I saw things others will never notice. And now, I can begin to show them to my daughter. Your words are deeply appreciated, my friend. In some small way, perhaps we are kindred spirits.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a nostalgic read Tate. I have lived close to the river Thames all my life. I reflected on all the times and occasions and the various people who have been part of that river experience. Your poem is filled with fine sentiment, beautiful imagery and is always a treat to read. All good wishes Tate.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

I’m glad you liked it

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Boyhood'
Tate Morgan,
A so true focus on the importance of the sensitivity of our children,(the focus being on a boy here.) It's true that a young one is so in need of affirmation. It never changes with kids I think. This poem a reminder to not forget what a look can do. Youngsters know when they are loved or not.
Kathy

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Kathy the boy in me understands

[Onlyme]

What a stunning poem. Nostalgic and hopeful, upbeat and heartfelt beautiful demonstrated a man and his song. Such admiration and pride.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Dawn men are only boys in a grown up
Body they never truly get over boyhood

[Siddhidatri Pande]

It is a wonderful piece giving the essentials of boyhood...Love it...

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you it is always that way with boys and fathers

[B]

Childhood has the special essence to it
and a true adult recalls moments
and cherishes every second for what it stood for back then ..... something about placing a part of you and building your character

as always
i love your work

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you so much we try so hard to grow up only to long for our youth

[Miss Sharon]

(Passing for gold in a boy's heart are all the looks his father pays collecting what he can in life to spend long into older days) I think perhaps we all remain that little child of youth always wanting our parents' approval. This beautiful piece brought back my own memories of wanting to please my loving parents. I adore the way you write my friend! ~Sharon

[Tate Morgan]

Sharon I must apologize I have somehow forgotten you wrote to this love you sorry I must have been distracted thank you dear

[Tate Morgan]

You know Johnny Cash spent his whole life trying to get his father’s approval. It drove him to great things it also drove him in the ground. As a parent we have a responsibility to see to it. That we return that admiration to our children with kindness and love as it was given

[Dr. Wood ?]

great Tate.....................................

[Tate Morgan]

Hi doc so sorry I forgot to respond to this I must have been distracted

[Levi Levin]

That's a beautiful poem Tate. You are a true American poet.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you ll so sorry it took so long to respond

[mercy party]

i always thought johnny cash would be a better fit to sing my words than me.
but Tate Morgan my friend you, you should write your words. man, that was gold!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you have been writing for 10 years now and published 3 books so far. I am honored that you like this one As for johnny Cash his is the best