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.

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a great poem about friendship and growing old with your friends and seeing the changes in them as the years pass.

[EMP]

excellent poem! full of emotion and memories. well done :)

[Shelby Taylor]

I loved it!

[Geralyn Miller]

The soul that acknowledges the ones who lifted him along his way is wise indeed. A wonderful tribute to a friend from a friend. Two wise men.

[Dinesh Sairam]

I've never seen nobody write with such simple words, perfect rhymes and still, carry across their intention. Maybe that's why you are so good. You've established a style for yourself. I am yet to :(

About the poem, I think you should concentrate on the non-rhyming lines some more. They didn't quite express as much as the rhymed ones (Save the last two). For me, the rhymed ones were the ones that appealed a whole lot more!

Keep writing.

[msharma]

Having read about ur friend reminds of the inseparable bond.

[Kaylor Mason]

Beautiful. I had the blessing of having a few friends like that in my life. They've all passed on now, but their memories are with me. It's comforting to know that when you lose someone you love, you haven't really lost them. They're living in your memories, never more than one thought away. That has to be one of the greatest comforts in life.

[Heather D]

Absolutely beautiful! It makes me think of several people who are close to me. I enjoyed every word, great piece!!!

[An owl on the moon]

As I read your words I realize that what continues in this world once we're gone is our life, love, and wisdom.. What we teach through words and example can carry on in our children and others we influence. These can't be diminished by age or weakness.. This is just so beautifully profound and lifting.