A Dedication To He That This Old Poet Truly Admires

A Dedication To He That This Old Poet Truly Admires

Hardened was his sad heart when a mere lad-
 Never a kind word, all seemed very bad-
Born a true and strong athlete to behold
 Into slavery and dark he was sold,
Emerged an honest man of mighty girth
 A living Samson, a man of true worth.
As gentle friend one could truly thank God
 Woe to those that felt his wrath or his rod!

Such great prowess one should never deny.
Always willing to give others fair try.

Stone-hard product of American shores
 With hand axe, a slayer of savage boars
A majestic hunter of no small fame
 Savage man or beast he could and did tame,
A hero returning from the great War
 Proof as was seen, his many battle scars.
Never had he ever failed to show might
 victor in every hand to hand fight!

Such great prowess one should never deny.
Always willing to give others fair try.

Never one to fear world's darkest powers-
 A hard worker, no lover of idle hours-
Racing to do that which others so fear
 Holding mother and siblings very dear,
Lover of horses, cats and faithful dogs
 A Paul Bunyan one stroke, splitting huge logs.
Rock steady and never once defeated
 punishing those who had his friends cheated!
 
Such great prowess one should never deny.
Always willing to give others fair try.
 
Rewarded to live to a ripe old age-
 Some called hero, others a wise old sage-
Myself, I just loved him as my best friend
 True chap that is faithful until the end,
Bright red roses adorn his earthen bed
 none daring to walk paths he had once tread.
His life and memory are treasured gold
 kind of brave man, I long to be when old!
 
Such great prowess one should never deny.
Always willing to give others fair try.

Robert J. Lindley,
July 11th, 1993
Rhyme, (Dedication poem)

Note- Presented as was originally composed, no edits to the verses(body of the work).
I was tempted but then I thought may be best to leave as was felt 
and written the first go....
Added the word - "Old" - , to the Title, as seemed fitting since that describes the current state of the author
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Raven Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 9:30 AM
Hi Robert, life is ever blessed when a true friend walks into our lives. This is a beautiful dedication to such a one. Your words sing from the heart my friend. I love the content and true feeling within your words. It is a joy, an honour, and a great pleasure to read this write this afternoon. A gem of a poem Robert. A Fave. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Your friend always....Mike.
Ashley Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 9:40 PM
My dear friend, we find uplifting inspiration in those who hold our admiration, and how fortunate it is when we have been so blessed to have been graced by the presence of a truly great friend in our life. Your shining dedication is beautiful in the love you have and honor you bestow upon your best friend, Robert. Your generous heart does beat with amazing talent and insight - a wondrous poetic gem to behold. Warmest wishes always my wonderful friend.. ~Susan
Messina Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 6:30 AM
Robert, this is a beautiful and very well written poem and dedication to your lost friend. So sorry. I'm am sure he has heard of your blessing. Like you said, life is a short whisper in the wind. We are blessed to meet dear friends along the way, as I have met you. God Bless and I pray you are feeling well. Sending love...Charlie
Lindley Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 9:14 AM
Thank you dear friend. Your comments bring cheer to this old poet's heart. God bless you and yours.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 10:34 AM
Beautiful souls who make a difference in life are valued when they are still in our very world, and treasured when they are in their "earthen bed" and "none daring to walk paths he had once tread." What a beauty! What a dedication! No wonder penned by a poetic heart of great talent, genuineness and generosity! Great work Robert! A gem in my fave list. Best regards. Stay blessed always.
Lindley Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 3:57 PM
Besma my dear friend, I truly appreciate your kind words, great insight and your adding this poem to your fav list. I am humbled by your generosity and kindness.
Sharp Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 9:28 AM
Your friend sounds like he was a great man. I'm sure he would have been deeply moved by your equally great tribute.
Lindley Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 3:53 PM
Lawrence my dear friend, thank you for appreciating this heartfelt piece I wrote many years ago. If blessed in life to have even just one sincere and true friend, one never forgets...
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