My Friend

He is the greatest soul I have known. Born to hardship and through pain, he alone showed me the meaning to life.

George and Ann's wedding. Salvaged from 8 mm film.

He falters now where once trod firm

I helped him whenever I could

Here was he, whose favor I'd sought

frail body where the man once stood

 

My spirit soared and loves him still

he had heard my heart’s lonesome cries

When I was the child of few years

while he a man grown old and wise

 

His was the soul I based mine on

the kind spirit who loved me most

Strength of purpose flowed from his mind

now stands this vision like a ghost

 

I bear witness as time runs out

where once I advanced in his sight

Both by favor and through merit

his eyes beheld my future bright

 

In time may we all find our place

helping others achieve their dream

While I could only hope to be

held by someone in such esteem

 

He's lost none of his true spirit

that still holds to my heart so dear

I will follow where this heart leads

every day of every year

                               George and I at Tates Graduation 5/24/14

Author's Note

Some of us have had the pleasure of meeting a selfless soul.And thankfully never forgot it .
I wrote this for my friend George whose heart led me through life. Would that I could grant him a few of my own years.
I feel the hand of time on my shoulder. Reminding me that life is precious! What is the value of a man? It has become quite evident that I will have to face this pending loss. I hope I can do this with the dignity befitting this man.
"Thank you George."

Reviews

[roarke]

I appreciate the strength in a man that can genuinely pay such an honest, heart true homage to someone. The positive flow and respectful tone spoken here is hard earned in humility and courage. May we all discover this in our lives.
You've learned well Tate, bravo.

[Tate Morgan]

I never got the chance to thank you for this as we werent able to do so 7 years ago when you wrote it. I thank you now as George passed away two days ago. I look back on the memory of this man with utter reverence,love and respect.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Some friends are extra special. George was this to you. A lovely tribute to him.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you For 46 years he was the best friend I ever had

[θεά]

What a befitting tribute to a friend who has given his friendship unconditionally. Blessed be he who receives such love and support from a friend. Kindred spirits are a rarity in today's shortchanged world. Beautiful.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Mallika Today is Georges Funeral.

[θεά ]

I am sorry to know of his demise and I express sincere condolences at your bereavment.. May he rest in peace.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank You I am sure he would thank you as well.

[θεά ]

Best wishes. To both of you. Sincerely, M.

[Barbz]

How much richer your life because of him. Such a gift that, iM sure, in times of your personal weakness, gave you the strength to overcome, due to his kindness, caring, and advice that might have guided you when you experienced that fork in the road. I know, from this touching write that you, as I, knows...Remember Never To Forget.."....Wonderful!....Barbz

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Barbz Yes he still live and is still my friend And is still the best man i ever knew

[Barbz]

You are blessed with such memorys, I Know....I'm there

[Tate Morgan]

My friend passed away three days ago

[Barbz]

I've finally learned not to grieve but rather to celebrate what was. I will no longer let drama mess with my head. My fabric was getting tattered and torn.....but I'm a Dream Weaver! Sorry about your friend Happy for your Memories X

[AaronFreitas]

This was an awesome write... very touching Tate!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Aaron I am not on much of late I shall have to get back to writing again

[Jerome F Knox III pseud..]

Speechless I am...what a moving tribute you have penned here....

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Rico he was and still is my best friend

[R Smith]

A wonderful poem for your friend, clearly from your words I can understand what a great man he is, hope he will be with you for some time yet :)

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Richard It is always a nice thing to have such an enduring friendship unswayed by the times of our lives

[wordman]

you will never replace your dad or a few uncles with the same insight
I have many memories of me as a boy talking to my great uncle mose a fine old man
my dad died when I was 19 just a month before I went into the army,the last one died last year
my aunt she was 73 and smart as a whip now the whole family has moved on

[Tate Morgan]

thank you yeah we all have those few special ones who helped us along the way

[wordman]

yeah and they arapprecated

[Tate Morgan]

i wish they could be around as long as me but it seems many were older than i and hence meet their end before i do

[wordman]

well tate that's what life is about,they teach us and help us grow when we spread our wings it`s time for them to go

[Jamestown]

Great heart warming and honorable homage to a man that obviously
had a profound effect on your life! To say thank you is the right thing
to do and to carry him in your heart is a must, it's a life long
thank you! Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you jamestown. I salvaged this film from an aging 8 mm that was taken in 1957 i think it was so brittle that the Persingers hadn't seen it in over 40 yrs I took it to fuji who scanned it and used a computer to save it without melting it and put it on a dvd. I then took it to George and Ann for their wedding anniversary They cried.I met george when i was 13 he was in his 40s then He is still my best friend. And even with alheimers remebers me well

[Jamestown]

That's so fantastic! I am so impressed, thanks for sharing:)

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you It is no less than an honor to do this for george as he has meant so much to me

[timthy]

Not only an homage of respect , and loyalty to a dear friend, this piece bridges the gap between age difference. To the younger generation, there are are great teachers out there, (usually not found in our government funded education curriculum) , but right beside you , you just have to listen, not only listen, but understand and embrace. To the older generation , i encourage them to be more accepting, not on values , morals, or common sense...heavens, that is the only thing we have left to hold onto, but music choices, piercings and moderate tattoos. I do not condone or condemn art in any form as expression, however by understanding the younger generation, instead of having this great divide,we all have a great deal to learn from each other. Perhaps if our future interacts with our pasts, mistakes won't be repeated over and over. The definition of insanity is repeating the same behaviors over and over again, expecting a different result...in summation...history repeating itself! Great piece Tate! You are the master!!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Tim i met George when i was 13 he was maybe 40 or so We have been best friends from day one and are still to this day.

[Chaselyn]

The honesty of how highly you held that man is intimate and beautiful... It's wonderful that you reveal the actual people referenced in your poems.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I write of my own life and times and for those i love and wish to grant immortality to