COURAGEOUS LOVE

Louis Gibbs

Frail and in terrible pain

He rose from his deathbed.

His wife and I dressed him.

I drove us to his university

To watch his son graduate.

 

I pushed the wheelchair

To the edge of the platform

Where he waited in agony 'til

They handed out the diploma,

Then whispered, "Let's go now."

 

At the car a student of his approached;

"Professor, when might you be available?"

I wanted to scream, Can't you see he's dying!

He replied in his typically gracious manner,

"Let's get together when I am better."

 

Back at the hospital's cancer ward we

Undressed him and eased him into bed.

After thirty five years, that was the last time

My beloved friend and I would share a day.

We now share the night, in reunions called dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Author: Louis Gibbs (Offline Offline)
  • Published: June 7th, 2017 09:26
  • Comment from author about the poem: I've been trying for years to compose a proper tribute to this 'man for all seasons' ... artist, athlete, scholar, musician, mentor. This narrative poem, a true story, is what evolved.
  • Category: Love
  • Views: 41
  • Users favorite of this poem: alisha
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Comments +

Comments8

  • MaddieJ

    This is beautiful ! He sounds like an inspiring fellow!

    • Louis Gibbs

      Indeed he was. Thanks for the comment, virago.

    • Michael Edwards

      Beautiful indeed - great story and so sympathetically expressed.

      • Louis Gibbs

        Thanks so much, Michael.

      • Fay Slimm.

        Your tribute to a well-loved "man for all seasons" touches the heart Louis and as a mentor he is still reaching many. A memorable read.

        • Louis Gibbs

          Thank you so much, my valued friend. Your approving comments mean much to me.

        • ShannonXx

          Beautiful poem

          • Louis Gibbs

            Thanks, Shannon, so much.

          • swingline

            When such an influence inspires our life toward excellence we realize that we owe all our best to them . And when they pass away another link of the chain breaks leaving us as the end link . Then we realize we have the greatest load to haul as there is no other link to pass the load on to . That's when we miss them most physically and spiritually . But their memory gives strength to carry on .

          • Augustus

            Sorry for your lost. The snippet at the end of his life you captured speaks volumes.

            • Louis Gibbs

              Your comments are truly valued, Thanks!

            • Heather T

              Thank you for sharing your friend with us. The love and admiration is clearly seen in each careful line.

              • Louis Gibbs

                Your kind reply touches me, Heather. Thank you so much.

              • Kurt Philip Behm

                Wonderful last line!

                • Louis Gibbs

                  Much appreciated, Kurt.



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