Fond Memory of the Years

Mike Clevenger

What will they say when we are gone

to tell of the days we have known

May they never measure our worth

by our  life’s failure, to have grown

 

Pray they say that kindness was found

in a world surrounded by pain

That we had given more than took

trying our best, to not be vain

 

I wish my friends to know of me

that I see them as a treasure

The pains of our lives that we share

are the jewels, by which I measure

 

When winters cold seems to descend

from the North Winds that blow a gale

Take heart that you are not alone

then may love, lift and fill your sail

 

When the sands of life all run out

should you pass on before I go

This world will know you had a friend

as over you, my tears will flow

 

Tate

Author's Note

To all who have known the trials of a life beset with tribulation. I would just like to say the things that make life worth living are not to be found in pursuit of wealth. I never remembered anyone fondly for the station they held in life. True wealth for me is held within the hearts of those I have loved and who dared to love me. When I first wrote this piece it lacked an owner, as I waited for the one who might deserve it. Such was the case when my friend passed into memory. Mike died on my wedding anniversary February 13th 2013.
When my house caught fire Mike helped me rebuild it. He was my neighbor. Last week I buried my truck in a ditch. He came over with his tractor and pulled me home. Many times we set outside and cooked on the grill laughed and shared the stories of our painted lives. He was siding his home this summer. However he only finished half of it. So little Tate and I will help Matt his son and Matt Jr finish what my friend could not. I would just say that he left many loved ones behind. Three grandchildren in particular that adored him and a good friend, who counts him above all the rest. I dont know what Mike believed in the way of religeon. I couldn't think of any more fitting music for this piece than Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. That because Mike loved country music and was to me at least the iconic representation of Rooster Cogburn. His was the rough exterior of a man with a heart of gold. He was simply one of the finest men I ever knew, cut from the cloth of
True Grit!

Tate

Reviews

[Rikkevi Rue]

Hey Buddy, why is it that i always feel like somebody reached out and wrapped something around me when I read your poems? As if words transcend the physical universe and permeate right through my computer screen and touch me. I half way don't want to come to your page because i know i will read some new verse of yours that is so sentient, so darned real that it will barge right into my inner world and stir up a bunch of emotion and thoughts. Can't you just stay on your OWN side of the country Morgan!

Of course the poem is of high quality craft and of course the topic is contemporarily salient and of course you as usual have correctly judged your audience and of course you have evoked a major response and of course...

Why the hell do these simple, earnest voicings of yours always keep me coming back here...funny how those musings that come straight from the heart can penetrate right through any barrier whether distance, ethnic differences, educational discrepancies, geographical perspective, etc etc...

The warrior raises his sword and the poet slays him with his pen ;-)

[Tate Morgan]

To this day and through some 20,000 reviews or so I still feel this to be the most endearing I have ever received. I tip my hat to you sir in deference to your kindness.

[SINDE]

This is a master piece. A heart-felt piece of art. The love and warmth felt during a time of past pain and tribulation is somehow nostalgic and it always strengthens us through present challenges.

"...So when our time has come to end
should you pass on before I go
The world will know you had a friend
as over you, my tears shall flow..."

I totally agree with and admire every line , phrase and word.

[Arielle Ann]

I totally agree with you Tate...a bond born out of pain is the strongest ever; the times spent with those in sorrow are treasured best..I can relate to this so much..such bonds are unbreakable,untouched,incomparable..."The pains of our lives that we share,are the jewels by which I measure"...we don't need people all around-fake,pretentious-but only a rare few who are recalled upto the grave..So when our time has come to end
should you pass on before I go
The world will know you had a friend
as over you, my tears shall flow"....best tribute to a friend,..I loved this immensely :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Great wisdom in the poem. The kindness and laughter is what we need to leave. Your words are true. A person with a kind heart and open door for friends and family. Will be missed and the example for the next generation. A nice photo too. Here in Michigan. We may be tubing soon. Thank you for the outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Rene Velez]

Touching poem of reflection and introspection of a life fill with joy and sorrow, this is amazing in It's delivery, honest and heartfelt, well done Tate.

[KAREN]

Beautiful, and this should be in the heart of all of us. Friendship should be cherish. Your poem was heartfelt and touched the very core of my heart.

[I'd Rather Write]

This poem grasps my heart as I read it attentively from word to word. Your meaningful words are an encouragement to me and to those others who strive to live their lives to the fullest while showing kindness, consideracy, and respect for others. I always enjoy reading writings, like this one, that are motivational and uplifting with encouragement.

I agree with your description of where the treasure of true wealth is truly found.
Outstanding poem!

[Valentine]

Tate, a bit different than I expected from you but OH SO BEAUTIFUL> we all have trials if we only admit to them..I am going through one now as my husband has started losing his memory..He fell, hit his head, the MRI showed all was all right..but he forgets simple everyday things..I pray andx and pray for him..Lovely poem..one of your best..love Kathhie

[Sheila Kline]

And you are a precious treasure to all who are touched by your tremendous talent with your ability to take bits of our lives and relate it to that which has cast its shadow over your doorstep of life! Your words, rhyme pattern, and song chosen to accompany it all make for another exceptional write - but, most of all is the picture of your darling son which brings it all "home" to our heart!
Beautiful!!

[Mark]

I hope that your son's memory is long and detailed, Tater. I have no such loving memories of my Dad and my childhood, and it colors every day of my adult life. He is a lucky boy, and will be a richly blessed man if he remembers these times.

[Priscilla Sayers]

A beautiful heart melting poem!
Thank you, this should be shared with all.
A very smooth lyrical flow!
you should write poetry more often.
You are a natural!