Jun 2014
To my friends I now tell this tale
a story I have known so long
Of a father and his young son
who shared a love both deep and strong
We were blinded by the limestone
on the harness track where we raced
My fellows mount lie on the ground
a youthful mistake born of haste
The boy was somewhere near my age
a score minus one or two years
His fathers dreams were not to be
as hope ground to dust mixed in tears
My friend was inconsolable
at the accident he had caused
Pride injured on the field of youth
time suspended while judgment paused
His hand upon the sons shoulder
great wisdom in what he then taught
Gave to me just one more lesson
a gesture not wasted I thought
The father turned to walk away
rain cascading down his sad face
He granted his son redemption
in an act of kindness and grace
To this very day I look back
when tested by my own dear son
Remembering that one great man
that had showed me how it was done
Tate
Original version with pictures and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/533308/
a story I have known so long
Of a father and his young son
who shared a love both deep and strong
We were blinded by the limestone
on the harness track where we raced
My fellows mount lie on the ground
a youthful mistake born of haste
The boy was somewhere near my age
a score minus one or two years
His fathers dreams were not to be
as hope ground to dust mixed in tears
My friend was inconsolable
at the accident he had caused
Pride injured on the field of youth
time suspended while judgment paused
His hand upon the sons shoulder
great wisdom in what he then taught
Gave to me just one more lesson
a gesture not wasted I thought
The father turned to walk away
rain cascading down his sad face
He granted his son redemption
in an act of kindness and grace
To this very day I look back
when tested by my own dear son
Remembering that one great man
that had showed me how it was done
Tate
Original version with pictures and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/533308/
A lesson in forgiveness. I remember this as if it were yesterday. The father didn't cry till he turned to walk away. His heart broken at the sight. This horse was tied to all the mans fortunes. As he was to stand stud for 10 more years. But the loss was not something the man could do anything about. His horse was dead. His son was alive. He recognized this right off. So to the son he granted absolution. If ever I saw the hand of God in anything it was this day this moment in time. I will forever be grateful to him for this lesson in Life! This was one of those moments where Love and Life met at the crossroads and gladly he was found not to be wanting. A moment that will no doubt stand for his soul in judgment. One of the worst feelings a son can have is to know he dashed his fathers dreams on the rocks of life!
