In Dunkersfield Lies a Neglected Grave

In Dunkersfield Lies A Neglected Grave



In Dunkersfield lies a neglected grave
 last vestige of a precious life gave
No massive stone to mark the resting spot
of a simple man that gave all he got

Town people say they knew him so well
 had big secrets he'd never dare tell
One was about a child he'd never seen
 bastard son of a lady named Ilien

Others solemnly swear he kilt' a man
 beat him with that mighty right hand
Hard truth lies somewhere in between
 his life imagined and one he had seen

Ole Stoner Ace was a gambler for sure
 had lots of women, none were too pure
Worked that farm, won on a lucky bet
 hard life even for a tough combat vet

No church did he ever bother to attend
 lived alone with not a single friend
Money sent to pay for nephew's school
 kept his secrets, was nobody's fool

Christmas night he died old and alone
 his savings given away, every penny gone
Good deeds he always kept to himself
 bad maybe but he always was topshelf

In Dunkersfield lies a neglected grave
 last vestige of a precious life gave
No massive stone to mark the resting spot
of a simple man that gave all he got

Robert J. Lindley,  01-23-2015

NOTE:  Poem was written based upon the real life of a friend's uncle. 
A tough old bird that had quite a reputation. Lived a wild life as young man 
and had served time in prison for beating a man to death that had stabbed him in 
the back in a barfight. My Dad knew him well. Told me that he was an upright guy 
that came out of prison and left the wild life behind.
Sometimes life just beats the hell out of you and if you are lucky you still
manage to survive!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Johnson-Saunders Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 2:06 PM
This is a wonderful tribute to your friends uncle...goes to show we should never judge a book by its cover. He sounds like a good man beneath the rough exterior...have a great weekend...hugs, Rhonda
Kendrick Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 1:31 PM
Very expressive and emotive work. Your words honor the man whom life did not honor.. thanks for your visit to my page ..Sara
Callus Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Wow! this held my attention all the way, Robert! Narration at its best! Effective the end repetition of the first stanza. Who knows what secrets people take with them to the grave!! #7 // paul
Sirak Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 9:14 AM
This is a fantastic story, so well told in your poetic prose.
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