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

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for allowing me to read this poem of this brave young man. We need people to motivate us with hope and friendship. Some people must overcome more and they show us the real strength in a human being. I hope Drake is Ok. A powerful poem. Thank you.
Coyote

[HopelesslyDevoted]

so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time! so many mixed emotions, what a perfect representation of life! bitter sweet and full of confusion and unfair circumstances. i think its wonderful that you dedicated this to him. he is very lucky to have you in his life, because i can tell that you truly do care so much about him.

[Rossen]

Your keeper of the timeless warmth within The Ties That Bind ~thumbs up!

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Beautiful dedication to an exceptional young Man. Your poem is a solemn one. I like how your book and it's dedication brightened him. if he is half the Boy you say he is, he will be fine. i know you will always be there for him as a mentor, and a friend.
A well described, emotional write.
I enjoyed this.