•
you were my truest friend
my steady rock of safety
my captain of escape
you were always there
the amazing man of magic
the hero of the weak
defender of the helpless
my always gentle friend
when the footsteps in the hall
woke me in the night
I would feel you tug my hand
and under we would go
through the secret passage
you kept beneath my bed
to the waiting viking ships
and off to fight the dragons
in the land of snow and castles
carved from clear blue ice
in our robes of fur
we struck with swords of gold
you were very brave
in the face of fear
I knew you would appear
never laughing at my tears
when the grating metal rasp
of door latch in the dark
would bolt me from my sleep
you would have the horses ready
we would thunder off to dry gulch
to wrangle up our posse
save the townfolk from the bad guys
and return when all was calm
you were very swift
in a snap you would arrive
in time to get me out alive
helping me survive
below the ocean we would dive
in your crystal submarine
down to the coral world
marveling at the creatures
we would leave the sub
to swim among the wonders
to dart and spin and float
far from pain and worry
you were very smart
my midnight flight arranger
to rocket us from danger
far from the evil stranger
we would soar to venus
in your silver ship
or to some distant star
and do battle with space monsters
and when they all were slain
we would fly the milky way
circle all the planets
thankful to be weightless
no matter how afraid
I knew that you would find me
knew you’d never judge me
I knew how much you loved me
knew you’d have me back by day break
with the dark night far behind us
and the warmth of welcomed sun
would once again embrace us
the midnight footsteps now are quiet
the ships and rockets sailed away
no more trouble comes to dry gulch
the crystal sub now long in dry dock
I’m not sure I ever thanked you
perhaps took your love for granted
without you I’d never have made it
I never will forget you
• • •
rob kistner © 2010
This was a fun read, Rob. Lots of images but also a narrative of mystery and wonder.
I love the voice of the young Rob, and the adventures are wonderfully recounted. Great rhythm, too.
Do you need a “have” in th penultimate line?
There, I’m at it again.
Thank you Viv for the kind words, and for your ever vigilant proofreading… 😉
Ten times, Viv: I must check my own posts for typos.
The penultimate…..
Beautifully written. I can feel that yearning for childhood fantasy…even when it scared us to death. 🙂
b
http://torristravels.blogspot.com/
A lucky lad to have such a loyal friend. A sweet remembrance!
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect companion.
I loved reading this because I’m sure my husband had similar imaginary adventures and this gives me another way to understand him! Thanks!
Sorry, Rob, I can’t help myself! Four years of online courses where the students were required to critique, proofread and edit each others’ work is hard to shake off. One of my ex tutor-group colleagues does the same for me on here, but has the grace to do it by email!
Your poem is my favourite so far on this theme.
ViV
To have a protector is a good thing. To need one is a shame. I love your adventures, especially the crystal sub.
Hi Rob — what a great poem, a tribute to your protector and friend. The crystal sub was my favorite, but I think my brothers would have joined you out in the wild west…they would have worn their Daniel Boone hats.
There was something so poignant, nostalgic and magic about this poem. And that picture.
You can never have a friend like that again because you will never be as trusting and innocent as then.
This was lovely.
mm fine imaginings =)
The friend without questions – only answers! A wonderful connection for a child! Lovely poem!
magic indeed….thanks for this Rob
I enjoyed that. Bought back all sorts of memories for me of childhood fantasies. I had a silky when the tigers hid under my bed and in my wardrobe, and they were so real.
That touched my heart and left me speechless. Thank you.
Thank you Sandy… 😉