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.

[Rory CJ Frankson]

A classic rendering of a grand compliment to Humanity

[Samuel Dickens]

When you help someone and share of yourself as this gentleman did for you, it is a gift that keeps giving. Perhaps an older one than he originated the gift, and now you are the keeper of it, telling the world of such goodness.

[Charles]

Well done, Tate.

[Crowley]

Its people like this that we miss the most when we don't have access to them for sure. their words are a security blanket when they are near and and a reference manual when they are gone. This was brilliant Tate, your soft and nostalgic style are intoxicating....like always, I loved this.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

One's impression left in the world is best felt by those we loved. I think this poem is a lovely and heart-felt tribute and can easily be ascribed to someone far closer than a friend. To think it was written for a friend is dear indeed.

Linda Marie

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Tate,

The generousity and warmth of your soul shines through as ever. This is a heart-warming piece. Yes, if we're lucky, we meet someone such as this. They are far and few between. And I have been fortunate enough to meet such as these. They are friends that are worth the price of the world. All we can do is to cherish and nurture such a friendship.

Nicely written, my friend. Most enjoyed.

Best regards,

Rick

[Ashley.M.E]

This poem made me cry, it reminded me of my grandfather, this will be our first christmas without him, which the song reminded me of it because if was in the movie, frosty... I good choice, I love this song by the way. Thanks for the reminded!

[TAO]

Very nicely done, Tate Morgan. This is a heartfelt, and genuine, piece. It was difficult to read, because of the very high regard you give this friend (I thought it was a father-perhaps a father figure, then?). But perhaps I should seek a friend like that, and maybe I will learn more. Great, great work.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

This was wonderful as always! The song fit perfectly!

[emmajoy]

What a wonderful man he must be to have you write such beautiful words.

I guess many of us have know someone like that, someone unforgettable who still stands for what's good and true. Worth their weight in gold, angels rough or not, who walked earth and left an indelible mark on it.