I want to tell you all a story! It’s about a little boy! He never knew the glory! About a life with fun or joy.
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He grew up as an orphan! With no mommy or a dad.
He never knew love or good fortune! Never happiness be had.
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His name was Terry Brown! All alone since his birth.
Yet he was known throughout town! To toil for what his worth.
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He never begged a day! He'd do odd jobs to earn his wage.
Before each meal he’d kneel and pray! Such a good boy for his age.
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His manners was profound! Yet he had no one to impress.
He was always to be found! In dirty shorts and a torn old vest.
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I saw him one day at the river! He was swimming as most boys like to do.
When he got out I could see him shiver! As his lips were turning blue
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I went and offered him my jacket! But he just blushed and looked away.
He told me he’s a big boy! And that he would be ok.
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I felt sorry for his mettle! Such a brave boy in every word.
I guess that it was settled! My help was just deterred.
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It was months past to that day! When I saw him once again.
It was a freezing night in May! With the forecast - heavy rain!
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He stood hiding in the dark! Yet I could see a tear roll out his eye.
His sight ripped my heart apart! And it felt like I could die.
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I asked to hire his assistance! His efforts would get pay.
But his presence need admittance! In my house he need to stay.
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He first didn’t respond at all! I was about to repeat my words.
First another tear to fall! Then a smile that lit the world.
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He didn’t need to dare refuse! The answer was just clear.
It was time to end his bitter blues! Of a boy so sweet and dear.
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This story that I’m telling you! Started thirty years ago.
The little fellow matured and grew! To a handsome man if you must know.
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As I’m laying here now dying! With his memory in my head.
He’s looking at me smiling! Sitting on a footstool at my bed.
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So many things eventuate! After that night out in the cold
Things I could never anticipate! So many stories still untold.
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But the greatest story to be told! Is of the boy I got to know.
Born with a heart of gold! His love would always show.
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He never dared to disobey! He’d submit and do his chores
Without another word to say! He would do so even more.
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Not one day gave he trouble! Not one day had we strife
His demeanour always humble! He became the light to my life.
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I could depend on him in any way! He never left my side.
He was there for me every day! Even now as I’m about to die.
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One thing that I cherish most! I say with a tear here in my eye.
And not that I’m about to boast! But he gave me reason to this life.
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He always tells the story! Of how I saved him from the cold.
But to him goes all the glory! Because he saved my dying soul.
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I guess the story really goes! About a man and a boy.
How life just surely knows! That two hearts could find joy.
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Theuns de Bruyn