Treading in the Steps of the Greats

Treading in the Steps of the Greats

A Poem by Tate Morgan
"

"Good Night Dad"

"
Grandpa Ed and my father Ed Jr
Grandpa Ed and My Father Eddie Jr.


Looking back to my eighteenth year


sitting with gramps in the grandstand


He looked at me, said " listen son


life seldom goes as we planned"




"See your father out on the track


coming 'round in the post parade


You should be proud of him you know


for all the dues that he has paid"




"If you'd said fifteen years ago


that he was the cream of the crop


I'd beat you down, there on the ground


leaving your a*s on the blacktop"





"Not many get knocked down in life


then rise to the top of the hill


As life exacts a price you see


from those willing to pay that bill"





Years later we stood by his grave


my father, my brothers and I


Gramps hadn't shared this forgiveness


before he had to say goodbye





I passed that story to my dad


whose eyes said he understood


For as a man, it was my plan


to help ease his pain if I could





Then when my own father passed


I stood there holding his ashes


About to pour, across the floor


of the track that saw our clashes




In that one defining moment

I whispered a prayer to the Fates

"Please forgive the sins of my youth"

treading in the steps of the Greats













© 2021 Tate Morgan


Author's Note

Tate Morgan
When my father was young he gave my grandfather bloody fits. I know how he regretted it later. As he was so hard on me for fear that I too would take that road. He said to me "Son you scare me to death. Of all my children you are the one that keeps me up at night. I see myself in you and it scares me. Just because you are fearless doesn't mean you are immortal." I came to find he was right. I do not know what drives young men to temp the will of unkind fates. However I lived to tell the tales and my son now is doing the same to me. So there is justice. Last month he came home on a motorcycle to tell me he was tired of just existing and wanted to live a little. He wants to have adventures as I have had. God is paying me back for the sleepless nights I dealt my own father.
When my own father passed a year ago we poured his ashes across the race track where his life began and his race ended. Miss ya dad!

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Featured Review

Brilliant writing and poignant backstory told in your Author’s Note. Such a raw and personal family chronicle...the volatile give and take from fathers to sons, relived...Perfection in form, flow, cadence, rhyme, imagery, allegory. Superb, nostalgic family picture. You are a wise man. Thank you so much for the excellent poetic invitation to share your life. Bravo!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Hi Annette thank you so much Nice to see you today



Reviews

I truly enjoyed your piece. It's great to read such adventures of others life.

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you Dwayne I appreciate that
Dwayne J. Keeves

6 Years Ago

Indeed, Sir
very nicely written and well expressed got enthralled for full reading

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you writ
Amazing story-telling... Your works are gems... I am becoming a fan...

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you so much feel free to peruse to your hearts content
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ron
This is so very true. I've missed your writings. I've been away for a while.

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you Ron there is poetic beauty in the shared experience of. Growing up
Great wtite! Very true to heart. Thanks for sharing

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you very much
This is very beautiful...
How so delicately written...
Amazing...


Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you it is always with regret that we learn empathy for others
Mr.Writer

6 Years Ago

Yep, that's true
Beautiful. That's all I can really say. This is a fantastic piece. A fitting tribute to someone who meant a great deal to you, and you shared that with everyone is the best possible way.

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank you I appreciate that my father seemed to like the time I told him what his father said
I've always liked your work, Tate. Your odes to life and the plights and triumphs of others has had me coming back again and again. I will always consider you a stellar poet in standing with the all-time greats. I wish you the best.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Ken I'm so honored to hear such a thing for to me I am nothing but a Humble poet it really touche.. read more
Kenneth The Poet

6 Years Ago

You are quite welcome.
Your words so tenderly move the heart, create a vast pool of thankfulness, as well as a place of reflection and beautiful pain. This journey of life is a magnificent race for us all, and you find vivid strokes of color in every contemplation.

Posted 6 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Craig forgive me if I'mA little loopy tonight I had major shoulder surgery yesterday and find myself.. read more
An owl on the moon

6 Years Ago

Oh my friend, may you find comfort now, and peace, and a deep rest for you, body and mind.
Tate Morgan

6 Years Ago

Thank u i've had many injuries to my shoulders over the years racing horses at this time simple sli.. read more
This was a well-penned and touching peace. It retained well its personal touch and connection to me as I read it. I sense a lot of love here.

Posted 7 Years Ago


Tate Morgan

7 Years Ago

Cameron thank you .It is always the thing we rail against but inside we know we are really our fathe.. read more

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7157 Views
75 Reviews
Shelved in 2 Libraries
Added on August 9, 2016
Last Updated on April 8, 2021

Author

Tate Morgan
Tate Morgan

Marion , OH



About
Available from Amazon XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I am a product of the Midwest. Raised on the plain states of North America. I was nurtured on a .. more..

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