POEM FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
by Tom Carter
When I look on you, I see
A land that is your own:
Un-pioneered ravines and hills, overgrown,
Uncharted streams and dales, valleys
Nooked in darkness still, unsown,
Fertile tracts of ground waiting to be grown
Into prolific fruit and flower upon the vine –
It calls you now – to partake of that wine divine.
Then take a cup,
And raise it up and up,
Below wide smiles and clinks,
Take a drink;
Come catch a bouquet,
Go fetch a garter,
Arms wide open –
To your friend Tom Carter.
GRANDMOTHERS, LIKE MINE
Bedrock,
Over which
Flow
The dreams,
Of so many,
Some in waves
Of stones,
As waters
Would have it,
Others, thanks be!
Are mined
of gold.
TO A DEAR ONE NEAR DEATH
for Sam K.
As you lie long, Uncle,
I think of your charity:
The fishing trips, the baseball games,
The miniature soapbox derby car we made,
The boxing lessons, all our talks
(And arguments) – that you stood up for me,
The long apprenticeship to manhood,
Your patience with the rebel in me,
Figure of the only father,
Don’t leave us please,
Man of the serious dark eyes
Who taught me to weigh all things,
Friend of a thousand thanks –
The giving of your time
To the lonely, skinny boy.
1989
About the Author:
Tom Carter splits his time between the West coast of the United States and Europe, loves gardening, nature, and spending time with his family. When not engaged in the ruling passion of reading and writing, mainly poetry and fiction but non-fiction as well, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, swimming, traveling, teaching, and staying healthy in important ways. Engaging in literary activity has become a spiritual practice which also brings emotional and intellectual development that he’d found indispensable in his life.
