The Shirt

Scout and I 

I wish to find in my own heart

on each cold and blustery day

Selfless meanderings of love

for those who helped me on my way

 

They walked with me most of my life

watered my soul to grow loves seed

Bore my pains within their own breasts

through the times of my deepest need

 

Count yourself a fortunate prince

to be able to name just one

For whom your welfare is indeed

a concern that is never done

They are to me like my old shirt

that I wear with great dignity

reminding me of my own worth

and hope for all humanity

 

Author's Note

I consider myself fortunate to have had a few good friends. I can count on one hand their number. This poem is meant for one in particular. Without whom I would not have made it to write this. Thank you Robyn! She gave me a certain Banana Republic shirt that I treasure. So count yourself a fortunate princess Robyn. Be assured I am one for whom your welfare will never be done. Being so scarce great friends are considered precious. The miracle many wish for is not in a life we missed. It lies within the life we have. And so friends give us the feeling that we are loved as much or more than we love others. Those few memories unlike most are the only ones we recall in color not black and white. This because they are associated with the colorful shirt that painted the brush strokes of our lives together and times apart.

Reviews

[Deviant Works]

Oh, I love this. I am also someone who cherishes my friends. Grateful in so many ways, knowing how special and rare they really are. Every time that they are there for me and I for them, every time we laugh or cry and talk for hours. Friends are priceless treasures. Wonderfully written poem, Tate. And I love the title. It suits this piece incredibly well.

[saunved]

Only a friend has the right to say : "I will be there for you" because HE is there for me...!
I loved the way you wove your words between "shirt" and "friend"!

[Little Whisper]

Beautifully said!! :)

[quinfinn]

suffice to say that rareness of which you so eloquently write here is true for many of us, i can count my true friends on three fingers...sentimental and extremely valuable message here, Tate, very nicely penned!

[Marie]

I am so sorry that I did not keep my friends. As I passed from one phase of life to another, so they passed from my life. I'm glad you kept yours. You are indeed "a fortunate prince."

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Makes me think of the old song, "Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold." I am so blessed to have treasured friends who have known me long enough to really "know" me, and I them. It is a solid and enduring thing. I love Mary-Chapin Carpenter, too, so the music made me smile. Her work is often bittersweet, and reminds me of so many years and people.

[Jvl narasimharao]

This is a wonderful poem.You express your gratitude to those helped you like a shcool boy.This is really touching
yours JVL

[AlieahRose]

I REALLY ENJOYED...
READING THIS AND...
FINDING SOMETHING TO...
RELATE TO AND...
I LOVED WHEN...
YOU TALKED ABOUT...
THE OLD SHIRT...
JOB WELL DONE...

[Richielee]

very well written and nicely ended

[Christina May Shanaberg]

I, sadly, remember so many lost friends. I, happily, treasure so many new friends. So many people have touched my life and I can, only, hope that I touched them, as well, and am remembered. A beautiful write, Tate!