Greatness So Close Poem by James McLain

Being one step behind
and not in possession
of that certain practicality.

I listened to success
that precedes such
greatness
not with any disdain
nor disrespect.

I being the nephew
of he
the owner of
the now famous
antique car museum
in Tallahassee Florida.

Thinking to myself that if
we still lived as the Spartans
did
and no one needing that certain lift
and unblemished outwardly
I may have been
not thrown over that cliff.

My last visit up there, where
my photo was taken
with he and the clan
cost
me sixty six days
in hillsborough county lock up.

His mother had died, she being
my Grandmother
worth every day of it.
Even though I had permission
from the judge.
I being incorrigible, saith she the
probation officer.

We discussed it before I left
and knowing If she pushed it
I would and she did.
Yes i would
again.
She being the mother of he, whom
I perceived to be greatness.

He recently opened his new
museum, all were there
past Governors and judges
what I most feared were those
whom held the camera's.

Being unpossessing of certain
practicalities
and a certain flair for trying to
search out the corner
in a round room
I stayed where it is that I am.

He once gave me a dollar when
I was ten and then took it back
I have said thank you herein
and there after
since then
manners being so cheap to learn.

He is tooling down now, responsible
for the welfare of all whom
he employed.
you never know where 'Greatness'
lives or stays.
It could be in the next photo you take.

Your greatness so close 'Uncle'
perhaps I will come back
with that,
certain practicality 'I' sorely lacked.
You know you can write letters around
one such as I,
you being 'Educated' and all up yonder.



c.b.