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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1738205-Pat-the-Cub--A-Real-American-Hero
Rated: E · Short Story · Children's · #1738205
Discover a little lion cub with a big heart. Based on the life of Patrick Tillman.
Pat the Cub: A Real American Hero

Once upon a time, there lived a lion and his mom,
His name was Patrick, and her name was Mom.

After playing ball at the park,
Pat went home before it was dark.

As he arrived, Pat was shocked
He heard loud noises, and the door was unlocked

Without any fear, Pat ran in the house
Like a superhero, as quick as a mouse,

In her bedroom, he found Mom crying
It was loud, like someone was dying

Pat asked,
“What is wrong, why are you sad?
What in this world can be so bad?”

Mom cried,
“I lost my job, I am no good,
I’m sorry son, but I did all I could.”

Pat replied,
“Oh my dear mother, please do not cry,
everything will be well, as long as we try”

He picked Mom up and gave her a kiss
And whispered, “Don’t worry mom, we can handle this”

The very next day, Pat looked for a job,
He stopped at the Woods, and talked to Big Bob

He told his old friend,
“I need some money, I need something to do”
Big Bob replied,
“I’m sorry my friend, I have nothing for you”

So he kept on moving throughout the town
No rejection would keep him down

It was around lunch, a quarter to noon
When Pat bumped into Joe the Raccoon

This coon was special, he had some clout
Joe the Raccoon was a Furball Scout

“Good morning Mr. Joe,” said the young cub,
“Please let me tryout with your Furball club”

Mr. Joe replied
“The National Furball League is not just a game,
A lot of hard work comes with money and fame”

Pat answered,
“I understand Mr. Joe that it can be tough,
but my mom lost her job, and life has been rough”
“I’m fast and strong, and very smart,
I will not let you down, just give me a start”

Impressed by Pat’s passion, Mr. Joe said “Alright,
meet me at Bush Stadium, at 6 tonight”

Pat was on time, and gave it his best
Mr. Joe was surprised, that Pat passed the test

Mr. Joe said,
“Good job Pat- it’s your lucky day,
I’ve got a team with whom you can play”

Pat replied,
“Thank you Mr. Joe, I owe you a lot,
without your help, I would not have this spot”

So Pat rushed home with good news to share
When he told Mom, she jumped out of her chair
Then she said,
“I knew you would try hard and get it done”
“I love you my Pat, I love you my son.”

The very next day, Pat met his new team,
He felt so blessed- it was like a good dream.

A few years passed, that were filled with fun
He made lots of money, and could not be outdone

But on a day, an unforgettable date
Pat heard some news that were not so great
His nation was attacked, and many people died
Pat was upset, and hurting inside

He questioned himself, “How did this happen? How is this true?
Why are some people so evil and cruel?”

Later that week, Pat made a plan
He was going to war, to fight for his land
He could get hurt, and maybe die
But in his heart, he could not stand by

So Pat went to Mom and told her, “Sit down”
Then told her his plan to fight for their town
She started to shake as tears fell from her eyes
And cried, “Are you sure my son, are you sure this is wise?
This life is tough, and you’re all I got,
Are you sure this is wise, I love you, I love you a lot.”

And Pat replied, “Oh my dear mother, I love you too.
But you know this is bigger than me and you.
Be happy for me and pick up your heart,
With this great love, we’ll not be apart.”

Then Pat went on and told his team
They thought it was crazy, a little extreme
They said,
“You have money and fame, what more could you need?
You know you could die from doing this deed.”
Pat replied, “My brothers, don’t worry, I’ll be alright-
I love my country, and for her- I’ll fight.”

Then Pat returned home and packed his gear
His time to leave was getting near
Before he left, he went to his mom
He sat beside her, and grabbed her palm
“I love you mom, don’t be so sad.
I’ll be home soon, it won’t be that bad.”
He gave her a hug, and walked out the door
Pat left a dream life, to fight in a war.

Because he was an extremely humble person, I am positive he doesn’t want a story like this written in his honor. Please forgive me Mr. Patrick Tillman.
© Copyright 2011 kawika hughes (kawika72 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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