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Open Poetry #6
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Gift of Gab
| Open Poetry #6 |
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Gift of Gab |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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There are some things I'm good at. Well, at least there's one or two And I am very pleased to know the things that I can do But there's one thing I fail in though I try as hard I can.... I cannot hold a conversation with my fellow man. I do admire those lucky people who can talk for hours Of nothing in particular but I don't have those powers. As much as I may want to, it just doesn't work that way. When it comes time for me to speak I don't know what to say! For those who need a helping hand I'd like to be a friend And offer words of wisdom or have sympathy to lend But, though the thoughts may be inside, my mouth just doesn't work And so I come off looking like some cold, unfeeling jerk. I have a friend named Babbling Bob who's just the opposite. At any party or event he always is a hit. He always looks attentive and can talk for hours on end And everybody that he knows considers him a friend. I asked him, "Bob, how do you do it? Give me some advice. I'd like for folks to know I care and think of me as nice. Is there some wisdom you can share? Some form of sorcery To help me open up at times when people talk to me?" "I'll tell you what to do, my friend," he said. "There's nothing to it And folks will think you're wonderful and love you if you do it. Although you may consider my advice to be absurd, All you have to do is just - repeat their last few words!" Armed with this new ammunition, ready for the fight, I went to Mavis Feldman's party on that very night. Within five seconds flat she had me up against the wall, Just looking for a pair of ears that she could give her all. "I'll tell you, Mike," she told me, "sometimes life is just a pain. The way my husband talks to me can drive me quite insane! Last night he screamed for two hours straight and it was just because He didn't like his dinner!!"......here she looked at me and paused... "He didn't like his dinner?" I replied in mock surprise. "That's right!", she said, "and I get sick of all his silly lies! He comes in late and wakes me up by making so much noise, Smells like Chanel and says that he's been drinking with the boys!" "With the boys?" (I raised an eyebrow here) She smiled. "AHA! You see!" (.....and blah, blah, blah and on she went while smiling back at me..... .....then round the turn and back again..the avalanche went on .....) Until, at last, I heard her say, ".....by that time he was gone!" "He was gone?" I said. "That's right!" said she. "I thought I would explode!" (.....then blah, blah, blah and off she sped one more time down the road.....) For two full hours I stood and smiled and, at the very end, She shook my hand and kissed my cheek for being such a friend. All evening long, folks sought me out. I really was a hit. They marveled at my great advice and chuckled at my wit While I stood, thinking of small things to change in my golf swing, With ears poised for each word they said and saying that same thing! The rest, of course, is history. I never am alone. There's always someone at the door or calling on the phone And I fulfill a vital need by doing what I can To be a friendly audience to my good fellow man. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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bobbycat Member
since 2000-02-06
Posts 233USA |
aahhhh....so THAT'S the secret! LOL  Great story--I loved it!  Bobbycat =^..^= ~~Blessed Be!~~ |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
What a fabulous idea, however, I find it hard to believe you have trouble gabbing my dear sir! And I am rushing here, as I so desperately want to be the first to reply to your work my honorable 'Deer! ROFLMAO I've never been # 1 on your thread! hehe Always # 34 or so..... You have such a way with words, no wonder the ladies flock - of course you know women will gab endlessly as long as you're still breathing and grunting in response.... |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
Well hell-fire...I ended up being # 2 afterall. (big sighs)  What's a girl gotta do? Guess I gabbed too much, 'eh? |
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CMGrimm Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685USA |
HA HA HA (over-exclamated belly laugh) So the secret to the gift is out.... Wonderfully done dear fellow...just wonderful. Chris Never be a carbon copy of anybody...make your own impressions. - ANON. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Deer, I know just how you feel. In fact, I was given similar advise, just ask them about themselves...and you'll have a friend forever.. Loved this poem, of course. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ I'd settle for your silence and gaze into your eyes, knowing full-well now your teensy weensy lies. But when we were done gazing an amazing thing would occur. I'd know the person I saw and it would be you, kind sir. Great little rendering that I'm glad to see. But kind and caring, Balladeer would you just shut up and kiss me !  ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Sir Balladeer, This is wonderful, I love it, and I'm sure you do a wonderful job listening, actually I know you do. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
bobbycat.....I thank you Femme....you'll never be number #2 in my book CMGrimm..Yep, that's the secret. Thanks for reading! Martie....Yep. That's good advice, too. Thank you. Marge.. W O W!! Who could resist lips like that? Not me!!! Dreamer..only for the right people. Thanks, my friend. |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
LOL! Ever those different voices... K'Writing sharpens life; life enriches writing' Sylvia Plath |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
The gift of gab can also be related with the gift of BS...which causes quite a stir!!!! You my friend, have never lacked sweet words when I needed them most!!! I say keep your honesty...I'd settle for that over gabbing any ole day kind sir!!!! Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
I know you are right in this...most people need to talk more than they need to be listened to, but myself, I prefer to say little and have a friend who knows me well enough to read between the lines... great writing [This message has been edited by Corazon (edited 02-21-2000).] |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
Well now my "Deer", as I recall, you don't have a problem finding the right words. Well done my friend. |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Well I'm no talker neither Balladeer So if you talk with me, you're on your own I fear This poem gave me quiet the smile but yet to read I took a while "good fellow man" I say So lets see more about your "gabby" way Very nice and funny Needed the LOL today thanks Mike The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Another of life's mysteries solved , and with great style .Well done Sir.B. Doc |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Severn....but this is a voice that can carry on a conversation!! devina...you wonderful girl! What a nice thing to say. Thank you! Corazon...reading between the lines is good but can also lead to honest misunderstandings. Thank you for reading. Marilyn...I try Thanks, cutie.Helmut...glad I could give you a smile at the right time Dr. Moose..Would you say this is a-STUTE of me? Thanks for stopping by..... |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Wonderfully engaging poem, Balladeer. Though we've not shared conversation, I am quite sure that there would be little need to merely listen and repeat, on either of our parts, though I must say the art of earnest listening can be a most gracious gift. I practice it when ever possible. Enjoyed your poem. |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Ahhh, Balladeer, your secret is safe with me! (taking notes wildly!!!) I think this is my favorite (so far) of your works, on the surface they appear simple, but beneath this, quite complex with messages for us all to impart! Corinne |
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One Who Understands Member
since 2000-01-20
Posts 251Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
Not only do you write so flowingly, but you do it in such a way, that there is a lesson to be learned with each and every piece. Admirable work yet again |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
I'm going to give this advice a try ... thanks for sharing it with us Rex}<{{{{o> |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
A friendly audience to your good fellow man? ...... Well written, 'Deer - you come up with the greatest ideas! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Well you did it again. You never cease to amaze me. Wonderful poem. |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Hi! This really made me laugh! I mean, it made me belly laugh! Good job. Alle' |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Seems you always know the right words Balladeer |
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