This is a repost of a poem I wrote a while back about a dear friend of mine. Hank was his name and he had a small machine shop in his garage that he had retired too. Though I had never met him I knew of him when I was young for he would drive by my house and wave at my sister and I. Later in my life I had the opportunity to meet Hank and we became very good friends, In fact I will say that even though he was 40 years my senior, he was my best friend. Though he is gone now his memory often plays in my mind and brings a smile to my face with it. I miss him so.
Hank
I will never forget the respect I would feel,
As I watched him for hours, making magic from steel.
He was hard but softhearted, always wanting to give,
As he worked I would listen, and his life he’d relive.
He would talk of the old times back so long ago,
As I listened intently, for I wanted to know.
The things he had been through, the things he would feel,
and his words as he spoke, made it all seem so real.
Then he took an old piece of scrap metal you see,
In his lathe chucked it up, while talking to me.
When he turned on his lathe, away layers he’d peel,
From that scrap piece metal, great things he’d reveal.
I watched close as he peeled each thin layer away,
He’d peek over his glasses and to me he would say.
“This old piece of metal has something to hide,
And I’m going to find out what is hidden inside”
He kept right on turning that piece of brass down,
Then he smiled and said "look here what I found".
I looked over his shoulder and then I could see,
that he had been making a brass hammer for me.
And when he had finished his creation so new,
I said, “I wish I could make things the way that you do”
He said “ I didn’t make it, it was there all along,
I just took off the metal that did not belong.
Hank is now gone, but I can look back and see,
Somehow he revealed things that were hidden in me.
He taught me that day, and I now say with pride,
That the mark of a man, is the heart that’s inside.
How did I miss this one??? I know I read this before, and its a treat and and an honor to be able to review it again my special poet friend!
Aren't creative people a trip??
They are so special, I believe they have a whisper of the spirtual in them, a connection to the divine, that we all have, but most of us, don't acknowledge.
Artisens come in many packages, from those who use their hands, to voice, mind, body, and heart. I think thats what life is all about.......creation....Creation fosters movement....and thats what makes this planet spin.
Now this poem, well, you are an artisen on my levels!!! But this poem......wow.......its dynamite!!! Its a gentle story, that shares, a lesson, and a biography.....told with such excellent rhyme and rhythm, its easier to read than drinking a glass of water.
gulp! lol
You my dear friend are an artisen on many levels, from your poetry, to woodwork, to guitar playing and songwriting.......
and most of all to being an exceptional human being!
Your the best!!!
Anita :)
Reviewed by La Belle Rouge (Reader)
Reviewed on October 27, 2004
I remember this poem, such a wonderful tribute to your friend.
Reviewed by ya mama (Reader)
Reviewed on October 26, 2004
a wonderful tribute. sounds like a man i would've liked to meet.
Agreeing with Eileen on this, Jack.
A beautifully written message and a tribute to a man to make him proud. I hope you have the opportunity of giving this to his family - it would be a precious keepsake.
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on October 22, 2004
I agree with your ending thought and enjoyed your sharing of such a great friend. Thank you.
Jack, I believe you have a classic here! Your best ! It needs to be published. What a magnificent poem depicting a special man whose thoughts should be remembered! This poem reaches into the depths of what we are all about! Your friend had noble thoughts and you have written a superb tribute to him!Bravo!
I met Jerome on a busy city street in Baltimore, Maryland, when he was forty-five years old. On that particular day, I was out and about, enjoying a much-needed day off from work.
I wanted to purchase a sukiyaki sub. I parked my car in an area of
Dozens of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Pathological Narcissism, relationships with abusive narcissists, and the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
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How did I miss this one??? I know I read this before, and its a treat and and an honor to be able to review it again my special poet friend!
Aren't creative people a trip??
They are so special, I believe they have a whisper of the spirtual in them, a connection to the divine, that we all have, but most of us, don't acknowledge.
Artisens come in many packages, from those who use their hands, to voice, mind, body, and heart. I think thats what life is all about.......creation....Creation fosters movement....and thats what makes this planet spin.
Now this poem, well, you are an artisen on my levels!!! But this poem......wow.......its dynamite!!! Its a gentle story, that shares, a lesson, and a biography.....told with such excellent rhyme and rhythm, its easier to read than drinking a glass of water.
gulp! lol
You my dear friend are an artisen on many levels, from your poetry, to woodwork, to guitar playing and songwriting.......
and most of all to being an exceptional human being!
Your the best!!!
Anita :)
A beautiful tribute yet again Jack!!
Love Tinka
A beautifully written message and a tribute to a man to make him proud. I hope you have the opportunity of giving this to his family - it would be a precious keepsake.