Fast Eddie

If there is one thing can be said of the Race Track it is "That here you will find men at odds with life. Yet a brotherhood of likeness abounds".

Photo compliments of Ben White.

At the track kitchen that morning

I was playing cards with some friends,

There sat Pop Sigh, we called Dead Eye

and Fats Jimmy, who drove the Benz

The fourth man was Wheel Chair Eddie

a boy of eighteen, I'd been told

In a wheel chair, his cross to bear

on each God had broken the mold

Fast Eddie as I called him

suffered from Cystic Fibrosis,

"Outta my way" he'd always say

"don't need no damn diagnosis"

Eddie was cleaning up on us

 took me for two hundred and three

He was the best, wiped out the rest

 taunting all of us with his spree

The others always let him brag

in pity for his condition

Well that might be, but they weren't me

I'm not given to submission

"Eddie, you're a gimp legged freak,"

I'd said giving his chest a tap

"Get off your butt, keep your mouth shut,"

"hey Morgan I don't take your crap"

He waved the money in my face

"you fish bite the same old hook"

"Man" he would say, "you're easy prey

you make it sound like I'm a crook"

"If you'd climb outta that wheelchair

I'd have to teach you some respect"

He'd laugh and jeer, but show no fear,

well now...just what did you expect

But Eddie had such little time 

whereby we all knew his plight

What might I see, if I were he

I'd welcome their taunts to fight

While others made him feel sorry

for the state that he found himself in

Still I could see, he's just like me

though at times I would let him win

I think that's why he'd favored me

 why he'd sought me out most the time

The reason he, played cards with me

in the hope I would drop a dime

I never looked on him as sick

to me he was one of the Klan

He knew I'd say, "Eddie let's play

come on we need another man"

Author's Note

What makes a man a man, respect of his fellows. No matter the infirmity, therein lies our humanity.

Reviews

[lee von cleef]

There is a horse with his name " Fast Eddie Charles" they are twins, Tates' words and that horse, Tates' words and that man are life, they deserve , if you whimper they will demand.
R E S P E C T . Look in their eyes ,they will measure you, they will know if you are deep or just ,top water shallow. That is a man, That is a horse, and you better be "Tied on" if you "Tie"
into either one.

[Baby Ricochet]

Great story. I've dealt with badly maimed vets before and they're not to keen on special treatment either. They like to be treated like the other guys, not pitied.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Like all your work Tate this is a wonderful narrative with a character with definition you have given them out of love and respect. You use your words wisely to layer on the cracked oils of time upon the canvas of the track.

[Pratik]

Such a wonderfully composed poem! And such a noble thought! This made me remember a discussion that I heard ages ago back here where people propagated the idea that people whom we refer as handicapped are actually differentially able-d persons. i think your poem builds upon similar thoughts. We often treat people with physical ailments with pity - something that doesn't do much to elevate their self=confidence. Treating them as any other fellow human being would be a much better way to ensure that they are able to do what all of us engage in, in our daily lives. I loved this - every bit of it. I loves the way you always deliver a message through the experiences of our lives. Going to my favorites. Well done Tate :)

[Dr. Wood ?]

yes, respect is all it takes..we live in a disrespecting world and Michael is right..I was always brought up to do unto others as i would have them do to me..SIMPLE...Great pattern and flow..you are truly a master of this type of poetry

[Melobldnfr]

Thanks Tate. This gave me chills. Xo.

[Patricia B. Hepler]

Self respect is vital to all. You demonstrate well your respect for your fellow man. Excellent. ~pat

[emmy bon]

interesting writing sir

[Lily Mae]

An amazing write Tate.. a journey taken to our own hearts and thoughts while absorbing the life and trials of another.. Lessons to be learned for us all..xo

[Mark]

Great tribute to someone who refuses to let a disability rule life for them. These people are truly unsung heroes.