At age of five his kin would send
him working in the fields.
Those stricken times would always blend
his songs with cotton yields.
For Gospel would course through his veins
and steer his boyhood days.
Through Blistered toil he'd bond with strains
of sacred hymnal praise.
Then tragedy would soon befall
his brother and infuse
a sense of guilt, from father's call,
an echo Born to Lose.
Though milit'ry would intercede,
his Only Love was key
and On the Road Again he'd speed
to Memphis Tennessee.
And there his Rockabilly shook
the scene and soared the charts.
This Man in Black would also look
The Rebel who broke hearts.
His Wanted Man would charm and bring
this outlaw great renown.
With gravelled tones, he'd thrill and sing
Don't Take your Guns to Town!
But drink and drugs would then conspire
to break him, yet, in spite,
he battled on with Ring of Fire
that fuelled his will to fight.
His spark would then ignite a flame
for those who were outcast.
In Folsom Prison Blues, his fame
would shine a light to last.
His faith would always underpin
his focus on life's wrongs.
Against the Wind he'd try to win
Redemption in his songs.
For he had known the Hurt that swayed,
the struggles to survive.
He warmed to those who needed aid,
gave hope to help them thrive.
A Boy named Sue would mark this age,
a social paradox.
With heartfelt beat, he'd pound the stage;
its force still chimes and rocks.
And, through it all, his heart would yearn
a life of borders clear,
to Walk the Line and then to earn
respect from those held dear.
His preacher mixed with Robin Hood*
and songster from his youth,
would shun the rhinestones, seeking good
and voice, with might, the truth.
This icon with a gift that grew,
I honour in this rhyme.
By Reaching for the Stars, he flew -
A Legend in my Time!
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