The Grand Old Game

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


Wind-swept and sun burnt 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 he climbs aboard the cart.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
May 24, 2015 at 10:44 AM
Enjoyed this lively tale, could you tell Charlie hello from me Keith..'
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 24, 2015 at 2:35 PM
I neglected to mention Charlie's passing... he was the perfect gentleman with the patience of Job. With me as his golf pupil he needed to be! Thanks Joe.
Bauer Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 8:41 PM
a moving and beautifully rhymed tribute to your father-in-law, keith. i very much enjoyed it and am sure that he absolutely loved it!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 9:33 PM
Thanks Ilene. I neglected to put RIP on the tribute. He was every inch a gentleman with the patience of Job. He needed it with me as his pupil!
Smith Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 3:38 PM
excellent ode Keith. It is a game of patience and honor. He is to be commended on his achievements.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 7:15 PM
Thanks Tim... much appreciated! Keith
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