I first became acquainted with Ken many years ago at an arts and craft show in Muskegon, Michigan. We were exhibitors and our booths were next to each other. We became friends. One year while at this same show, I was sitting behind my booth doing some writing. I observed Ken interacting with some children. I watched them for some time and the contradiction of Ken, the man with the rough biker image and Ken, the kind, gentle soul who communicates so well with young children, caused me to stop writing my book and write this free verse poem. I later gave it to him.
He recently died from a massive heart attack (while cutting his elderly Aunt's grass for her) and I was told, the day before his funeral, by his wife and also by his best friend since childhood, that he loved the poem. She ask that I would read it at his funeral. I was honored to do that.
Here is that poem.
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A study in contradiction,
he’s wearing a black Harley wife beater,
exposing huge tattooed covered arms.
His long gray Santa like beard appears unruly
as does his hair,
held in place with a
faded red, white and blue,
"Old Glory" rag headband
tied in back, leaving long ends
that dance with his ponytail.
Faded, torn and tattered blue jeans
sport a long chain attached to his wallet
in his hip pocket.
He is indeed an intimidating figure.
However,------
Mirrored wrap-around shades hide his kind eyes.
Talking and laughing,
he sits on a stool,
personalizing little wooden bug boxes,
that he makes for little
wide-eyed kids who are patiently standing in line,
waiting------
so they may get to talk to
the “Biker Santa.”
All rights reserved, © Richard Griffes
Copying without permission is strictly forbidden.
Author notes
option 5
The subject of this poem, my friend Ken, just passed away on April 26, 2009. I know he is in Heaven.
option 2
A contest entry
- Portrait Poetry - Male by Polaja.
1750 points, ended December 16, 2008, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Beautiful Ugliness by Gormanda.
400 points, ended April 21, 8 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Anything && Everything. by Antebellum.
600 points, ended July 20, 179 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Anything! JUST ENTER!!!! by Sheilasbabygal4life.
400 points, ended October 16, 384 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Just make it amazing! by X.brokenlover.X.
977 points, ends November 18, 167 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Wow. This was amazing. I enjoyed reading this. It was moving and just awsome. Thank you for entering and best of luck too you in the contest!
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I wonder how many times his wife takes this out to read..
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awe so sweet.
a wonderful dedication.
thanks for entering
good luck. -
This is so sweet and touching. It really is a wonderful tribute to your friend and I am so sorry for your loss.
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thank you
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Ken completely comes to life for the reader. This is a wonderful and unexpected take on the prompt. Your work really should be applauded- this is simple yet heart-breakingly honest. Thank you so much for entering my contest!
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Thank you for entering my contest with this poem
this made me smile - I know people like the man described here - and you have captured his essence in a lovely way
Keep writing
Polly
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I could feel the gentleness in this old biker, see th image he pertrayed. You described him perfectly, Richard
The last part about him making little wooden boxes for the kids, it's a wonderful tribute to this man
Great poem
Dee
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Very descriptive. I had a clear picure of the man you were describing.
Good write.
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