Then Fate Took It's Turn

My hero to me, was just a simple man
He was ill throughout his life, but he raised two sons
Two jobs he held down until he couldn't anymore
Then fate took it's turn, and turned his heart sore

First was the youngest, on a broken bottle he fell
His artery slashed, was the start of his hell
I recovered from my trauma, nearly losing my life
But my accident increased, his ill health into strife

Over the next two years he was hospitalised
His sons fostered out, in fatherless cries
To children's homes they went, from pillar to post
Yearning for the person, who loved them the most

He gradually recovered, we became a family again
Once again fate took it's turn, returning life's pain
On a Monday night back in nineteen sixty nine
What every parent dreads, returned him to ill health decline

His two boys excited, joining the local Boy's Brigade
Running as fast as they could, for time to be made
The older was faster, he ran well ahead
The younger lagging behind, his little legs so delayed

On turning the corner, all I could see
Was my older brother, running well ahead of me
Without looking left or right, onto the street he ran
A split second later, he was hit by a van

My life entered slow motion, whilst I witnessed it all
To see your brother knocked down, a sibling to fall
He was caught under the van and dragged down the street
At seven years old, too terrified to greet

Over the next six years, his heath gradually became worse
He was more in hospital, in illness immersed
That's why he is my hero, to my lost brother and me
He's the kind of man that I've turned out to be

He had no quality of life, but what he gave meant more
The love for his two boys all through his life's sores
Holding down two jobs through illness and strife
Admirable, that's just a word, he gave me my life




My entry for Crystal Wilkins contest 'My Hero'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
January 27, 2011 at 9:17 AM
Congratulations on the win in Crystal's contest "My Hero" James. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
January 18, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Congratulations on your much deserved win in the contest, James. I guess we both saw our fathers as heroes. Love, Carolyn
Sweetheart Avatar
January 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Congrats James on your super big win in the My Hero contest with this astounding write and entry.... enjoy another sweet success for this rare beauty poetry with luv..
Radke Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 11:00 PM
Oh James. How beautiful, how sad, how wonderful is this poem of loss and love and life and pain and triumph. You have written a true hero's tribute here. I see why I am drawn to your writing -- you have suffered greatly as a child as well. You have known pain and sacrifice and fear and uncertainty. You have conveyed this so very well in this most excellent write. Well done, sir. Very well done. Love, Deb
Peranteau Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 9:13 AM
Well my dear poetic friend; you have once again, captivated this soul with your depth of love. My heart goes out to you James ! I feel the 'proud' so vibrantly in this write Sir, and its flow made it very enjoyable to read. much love, james
Neels Avatar
January 1, 2011 at 9:10 PM
Just a simple man, I think not.. A man who influenced your life in an amazing way. Awesome write, wishing you all the best with this gem.. ;-) ~ Wilma
Scripca Avatar
January 1, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I read your poem several times and had tears in my eyes, dear James. I KNOW you are a good father to your children as well as a good son and brother to the two souls watching over you from the above. Really impressive and powerful poem. A winner for sure! All the best to you.
Devonshire Avatar
December 31, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Dear Lord, I know this tragic story is true. You painted the images and emotions so vividly and I'm so sorry you had to experience these losses. You could not have picked a better hero or written a more powerful poem! Blessings and love, your fan Carolyn.
Roberts Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 5:58 PM
brought tears to my eyes James, good luck with this wonderfully emotional piece in the contest
Larson Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 4:40 PM
powerful read
A   Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 4:29 PM
A wonderful entry James, i sure enjoyed the tale of this one hero,,, have a wonderful new years.. James.. always.p.d.
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