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jbouder
Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534
Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash

0 posted 2000-01-19 04:45 PM


I lay this silver medal on your chest
But, though I know what silver represents,
I’ll never think of you as second best.
In times reserved for youthful innocence,
My ignorance of serious consequence
Concealed my sense of mortal weakness.  Now
All veils are vanquished, leaving no defense
Against this gift new knowledge does endow.
That even now my earnest, tear filled vow
Is shattered, battered by this awful truth:
I might forget you.  With a furrowed brow
I think of you and troubled days of youth,
And hope that passing time does not upend
Undying friendship for a dying friend.

***

And now free-verse:

***

My dearest friend
they said you fell
and I
too young
naïve to worry
went about my
summer play.

You would be okay.

But now I lay this silver medal on your chest
and though I know what silver represents
I’ll never think of you as second best.

Those times are gone
times for
youthful innocence
and ignorant bliss
a shield from
pains of life
and death.

You were not okay.

So now I lay this silver medal on your chest
and though I know what silver represents
I’ll never think of you as second best.

You saw me win that
silver medal,
cheered me on
One more! One more!
and when I lost
and hung my head
in shame you said,

It will be okay.

Although I wore that silver medal on my chest
and knowing what that silver represents
you never thought of me as second best.

But even now
my tear filled vow
is shattered, battered by an
awful, guilty fear.
Not of living life
without you, no
a fear more fierce:

I fear I might forget you.

With tears, I lay this silver medal on your chest
and though I know what silver represents
I vow to never think of you as second best.

Fifteen years have passed
and thinking back
of summers
silver medals
and best friends
I smiled.
I did not forget you.

I laid that silver medal on your chest
and though I knew what silver represents
I never thought of you as second best.




 Jim

"If I rest, I rust." - Martin Luther


© Copyright 2000 Jim Bouder - All Rights Reserved
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
1 posted 2000-01-19 07:15 PM


Wow! Liked them both! Good job!  

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
2 posted 2000-01-19 07:21 PM


jbouder,
Both are excellent. You write very well.

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2000-01-19 07:22 PM


Very touching and well written both.
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
4 posted 2000-01-19 09:00 PM


Jim,
A talented young poet, both in structured and free verse. Both were excellent
Liz

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

5 posted 2000-01-19 09:05 PM


They are both beautifully touching. Job well done! And the love displayed for your friend in them gets a gold medal from me!
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
6 posted 2000-01-19 09:27 PM


Oh, Jim-
Your free verse version unleashed
a torrent of tears of sweet remembrance.

Through the tears I struggled,
for I had such a friend.
She never thought she stood a chance
of vying for the medals.  She lost her
life fighting cancer through her
tender years of 16-22.

She touched my life with an awareness
of God and his purpose in our lives.

She wears the medals of my love for
her courage and her faith.
She stood on the podium always with
a smile as her ~medal~.
Her name is Shelly.
She will always wear the winners medal
in my heart.
She gave more than she took.
She made sure I'd never forget her.
Eighteen years have passed ...
and I haven't forgotten her for a moment.

*Jim, thank you so much for this beauty.
God bless you.
Love ~Marge~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
7 posted 2000-01-19 10:09 PM


You already know my feelings on these two. You have my utmost respect with these  
Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

8 posted 2000-01-20 06:56 AM


Freeverse! Only the freeverse!
haha - just being cheeky...very fine pieces the both of them Jim.

Well done!

K

jbouder
Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534
Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash
9 posted 2000-01-20 08:59 AM


Everyone:

Thanks for your kindness here.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Marge:

I'm particularly pleased that this evoked memories of your friend.  God bless you.

Jim

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
10 posted 2000-01-20 03:58 PM


What... You're trying to slip this gem onto page two without comment from me??.. I think not... They're both quite exceptional, my friend.. I've come to look forward to your next postings with bated breath...
jbouder
Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534
Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash
11 posted 2000-01-20 04:12 PM


Nan:

All you have to do to get a sneak preview is stick you nose in Brad's Den (CA) from time to time.  Bated breath, huh?  Thank you, my dear teacher.  

Jim

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