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.

[OTownPete]

Such an honorarium to a mentor pours forth and seems to write itself. Your friend in words, Pete

[Tate Morgan]

thank you Pete. It was a jot to create

[Keith]

Superb Tate, one of my favourites. Sent chiils down my spine as I have had a couplof Georges in my life. Thank you for that one.

[Tate Morgan]

Keith thank you I have had as couple too each as grand as the other I myself try to do the same for every wayward i met

[Marie]

I too face this sort of impending loss. I will not easily recover from it.

Your spirit and his shine in this poem.

[Tate Morgan]

I am sorry to hear that it is a painful thing to live through

[Akashi]

Such a great poem to explain your friendship with him. Great write, Mr. Morgan! Good job! It was beautiful!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you so much I am touched that you liked it

[Akashi]

It was my pleasure!

[Rogue]

Losing someone who meant so much to us in our lives can be a difficult thing to process and deal with. It sounds as if George has lived a long and full life. The most important thing you can give him now is the gift of how you feel. So that he may know he made a difference in a young boys life and continued to on through his adulthood.

It's a lovely, heartfelt piece to a Dear Friend. :)

[Tate Morgan]

George has Alzheimers and he is slowly fading.Thankfully he still knows me.He has been my greatest friendship going on 40 years now. Thank you

[Rogue]

You are welcome, Tate as always.
I am sorry to read that. I know how difficult that disease can be, my grandmother suffered from it also.

[Tate Morgan]

It is painful to watch.

[Constance Payne]

There are those who touch our lives in ways that we feel we may never repay; yet by our living a life they would be proud to say they are a part of that is the greatest value of them to us.
This is beautifully written and filled with love, warmth, and gives us a glimpse of the great man that you were blessed to know.
May you find peace in the memories he leaves you and may those memories bring a smile to your heart.

[J. Marc]

Great! We are appreciative of having known great persons, and your poem, it is even more poignant because of the difference of age! One of my favorites, definitely!