The Grand Old Game

...to Charlie Hebert, my father-in-law,
   with respect and affection


Wind-swept and sunburnt alone on the fairway 
he fusses and frets with his lie; 
he's been here for ever commanding the course, 
ever since you and I were knee high. 

Golf is his passion, he lives and he breathes 
for the chance to play just one more round, 
replacing his divots, observing the rules 
and keeping his feet on the ground.

Always nattily dressed he is ready 
to tee up and go for the green; 
the young guns are anxious to unseat old Chuck, 
but he's crafty and wily and mean!

It's the day of the championship and he's all ready 
to teach these young men how it's played; 
at the turn he's ahead with a three under par, 
he'll show them how great shots are made.

On the final hole two men are tied for the lead, 
they are edgy as each eyes the pin; 
Jim misses his putt, it goes wide to the left, 
and Charlie makes par for the win!

CODA

In the clubhouse they congratulate the old boy on his score, 
he thanks them from the bottom of his heart;
here's to Charlie then, to bunkers, to bad lies and to rain, 
to another shot at glory when they climb aboard the cart!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Mac Donald Avatar
December 16, 2008 at 7:34 AM
A wonderful tribute to your father in law, Keith! I'm sure that he's grateful for this piece, and for having you as one of his own!:) This flows and tells a fun story...will surely touch the minds of many! One of my brother in laws is a golfer..he gets mean and rangy when he doesn't win..must be hard for him to find other players? Dunno, he's no favorite of mine...hehe God bless you and yours...best wishes...Love, Mikki
Austin Avatar
December 16, 2008 at 5:05 AM
Charlie is typical. Good write, Keith. I don't play golf, but I bowl (which is not near as difficult) and make all the excuses possible for either good scores or bad. Have a good Christmas. Love, daver
Richards Avatar
December 15, 2008 at 12:31 PM
It is so nice to read such affection and admiration between the lines of this delightful poem! He must be a great guy! Well done, Keith!~ Carrie
George   Avatar
December 15, 2008 at 3:15 AM
Hi Keith, I remember from your previous postings at the soup how much you love your Father-in-law. Wonderful writing. Love, Lainie
Gass Avatar
December 14, 2008 at 3:07 PM
What a thoughtful dedication and a delightful read. Another example of your wonderful talent and diversity. I've never played the game myself. I'm sports challanged but I am usually willing to try and everybody (myself included) gets a good chuckle out of the deal. Love Robin
Foster Avatar
December 14, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Keith, this is a wonderful tribute to your father in law and the marvelous game of golf... :-). I could almost see Charlie teaching them a thing or two. I thank you for sharing the read and for your welcome comments on "Cornfields Have Ears" God's Love and Many Blessings, Always, Adell
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