User Info

Welcome Anonymous

Yesterday's Top

Rank Name

01: schlegel

02: KyleJCo

03: life2all

04: dav.smith

05: Danny-R

06: Michaelw1two

07: fogglethorpe

08: starwatcher

09: odinroark

10: notapoet

11: Twelve

12: tint

13: shaaz

14: Rabbitt

15: ossy

More ...

Donations

Above and Beyond

GotPoetry is a community supported site.

Due Date: May 31
May Goal: 180.00
Gross Amount: 0.00
PayPal Fees: 0.00
Net Balance: 0.00
Below Goal: 180.00
Site Currency: USD

Poems - Tom

Tom

by liarbird

TOM

“Six years” Tom whispered gravely. His mind still had that guile.
“My God I’m glad you made it mate”, Tom gave a feeble smile.
Once strong arms had withered. His words were hard to understand…
With all the strength that he could muster, Tom shook me by the hand.

I’m stunned to see in front of me, his face gray and wracked with pain.
Feeling all but helpless, I prayed Tom couldn’t read the strain.
I could feel my stomach churning, and there was pity in my heart,
“How are you mate?” slipped out. Not the words best used to start.

“Oh I’m all right” Tom stammered, as he struggled up in bed,
With soft moans and groans preceding, gaunt eyes that stared ahead.
Tom’s Sister's letter never mentioned my mate was down this low.
Each sentence took his breath away, his movement now was slow.

‘Six years!’ My how time does fly when we somehow drift away.
But nothing in this world of ours, steals what we got to do or say,
Tom and I together went through plenty, when in work or play.
It makes me teary; makes me sad, but proud to be with Tom today.

Sitting on his bed there with him, he was sharp and quickly keen
when some of those special moments, once again were seen.
I could see Tom’s spirit lifting; his eyes begin to glow,
when we talked about the old days, and the blokes we used to know.

We went shearing down the Lachlan, chopped red gum for wood.
Chased cattle through the brigalow, and stood where Leichardt stood.
Swam in the Northern Gorges. Dined on Barramundi fare.
Shot ‘roos’ throughout the plains, and drank grog everywhere.

Then we laughed about that rodeo, when Tommy broke his wrist.
Tom mentioned when he shot the bull, backing up because I missed.
The ‘Curleys’ and the ‘Blueys’. A hundred thousand campfire tales…
the mobs we drove to Bourke, up in Northern New South Wales.

Tom went quiet and stared ahead, then with effort asked if I,
could put his swag upon the bed, while the memories filtered by.
How many times beneath the stars amongst the mulga did he sleep?
Is questioned by his tiring mind, through eyes that quietly weep.

Tom lay there so delicate. His arms were limp across his breast,
I left him with his silence, for at this moment seemed the best.
I stared at pictures on the wall. I was featured in some of them too…
Tom lay silent sleeping now, and his sleeping quickly grew.

Tom’s eyes gently opened. I felt this racing through my mind,
I felt his pulse then felt his heart; I knew the world was kind.
My hand brushed down his eyelids. My mate had quietly died.
I walked out to the kitchen, where I cried, and cried, and cried.

<< prev | Cowboy Poetry | next >>

"Tom" | Login/Create an Account | 27

The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by Phoebe on Friday, March 09, 2012 (05:48:21)

To write something like this only shows great creativity and focus but shows immense compassion and feeling that can only come from something either personally experienced or been very close to someone else's experiences...it's just magnificent Lindsay.. Smile

-Phoebe

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:11:11)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by amca01 on Friday, March 09, 2012 (08:35:38)

Banjo Paterson never wrote verse with this delicacy of touch and this depth of feeling. Every line rings true. Quite wonderful.

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:14:12)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by Lionheart on Friday, March 09, 2012 (13:40:54)

Wow Lindsay...an absolutely arresting poem; captured my my attention right through to the heart rending end.

Wonderful write my friend...you are a master!

“ Lionheart
~

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:32:40)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by maryanns on Friday, March 09, 2012 (14:32:28)

Quite unexpected, and very special to find your poem this morning, Lindsay. Written with such thoughtfulness, tenderness and care... and my tears at the end, as well. I really appreciate having your work back once again to look forwaard to. Best wishes, Mate. Mary Ann

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:36:12)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by butterflyzrfree on Friday, March 09, 2012 (16:20:22)

Damn good yarn, mate!!!!! here's to ya!

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:39:17)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by Pujakins on Friday, March 09, 2012 (21:06:40)

A beautiful dedication to friendship, and a very finely written poem as well. A ten and a heart to you, Dear Lindsay, and blessings on your tender heart. Warm wishes, Tasha

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:42:36)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by omegapaf on Saturday, March 10, 2012 (02:47:22)

sorry about your mate lindsay. a wonderful story. sometimes these memories have to be revisited to remind us who we are - is your e-mail working ok now? - paul.

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:46:39)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by WordLover on Saturday, March 10, 2012 (10:54:21)

This truly beautiful poem broke my heart. Written with such obvious pain and care, the emotions pour from each word. An amazing write - and so good to have you back.

Sandy

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:50:19)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by Zbird on Saturday, March 10, 2012 (11:04:53)

oh Lindsay! this is so beautiful and full of love and emotion! such profound caring and sadness. it certainly touched me deep in my heart. I'm so sorry about the death of your friend, but also so glad you could have those last minutes with him. again a beautiful poem!

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:54:19)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by Ozymandias on Saturday, March 10, 2012 (19:15:56)

I must endorse the sentiments of the others Lindsay, this one does you proud! A real depth of feeling comes through.

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (00:57:11)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by opalkoi on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (08:12:29)

A very special poem celebrating that precious bond between dear friends , I like how you put the part in about 6 years being apart from each other and then being able to pick the friendship back up, a touching and well written poem

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 (21:30:54)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by deepali on Sunday, March 11, 2012 (10:40:11)

Difficult to choose words praising great poets...i'd still say,
a wonderfully written emotional poem!!
warm wishes,
D.

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 (21:33:36)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by floatingpoet on Friday, March 16, 2012 (20:42:27)

I once again bow down to the master. I got my book published! The true adventures of the floating poet. I couldn't have done it with all your helpful advice you will forever have gratitude from the floatingpoet

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Thursday, March 22, 2012 (04:47:53)

| Parent

Re: Tom (Score: 1 )
by floatingpoet on Friday, March 16, 2012 (20:43:32)

| Parent

[ liarbird's profile | Commenting Members (14) |

]

Added on: 09-Mar-2012 | Hits: 304 |

Full author copyright - Exclusive Right held by author.