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Open Poetry #6
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Solitaire
| Open Poetry #6 |
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Solitaire |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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SOLITAIRE Sitting alone at the kitchen table, Slouched uncomfortably in the chair. By the dimness of light, barely able To attempt a game of solitaire. For a second reckoned I a knocking, But, alas, believing nothing there. Deemed it to the timely ticking, tocking Of a wall clock measuring despair. The game, in itself, my life reflecting. I kept turning cards, but could play none. Where frustration or Fate interjecting, Was drawn the notion to misplay one. Sweet anticipation turning the pile, I counted down four instead of three. A glimmer of hope yielding me a smile In wonder of which card I may see. Where a king would well fill that empty spot, Or an ace start an uplifting trend. It seemed my life, at least my game, in thought, Could surely fit most any card in. Whence from Darkness I heard such a screeching, That from the game my attentions tore. "I know I locked it!", (memory's beseeching), Left me sure it couldn't be the door. So I passed it off as the trickery Of Night on a weary head portrayed. Looking down to the card of mystery, Looking up at me, the Queen of Spades. I felt a chill coursing through my body, The hair on my neck running amuck. Feeling as if someone stood over me, By this unfortunate run of luck. In the eerie silence the room had drawn, I felt distraught, something was missing. Something I couldn't place my finger on, Alas, the wall clock had stopped ticking. There it hit me, though not superstitious, All the meanings for which this card stood. As I felt the hand of the pernicious, Turning to see robe, scythe, and hood. Stumbling backwards I fell against the wall. As I tried to look upon his face. Coming to grief, seeing nothing at all, His hood withheld but an empty space. Yet skeletal arms reached to the table, To a body face flat in my chair. Fear in darkened depths I cannot label Holding my screams to silent despair. I felt his coldness, hands within my chest, Pulling at the soul of my being. Never once able to voice my protest, Did I believe what I was seeing. Over my soul sprinkling a sparkling dust, My soul ‘er glowing within his hand. I found myself inspiring to trust, By a soft touch I would not be damned. Looking up, he released my soul to fly. There, I floated before him on air. But by tilted head I saw Darkness cry. As my soul sank to the devil's lair. Where past decisions rain constant shards Of forsaken Love, of tempted Fate. Reminding me life is no game of cards, My friend, I bid you, play yours straight! Michael Anderson It's true, Love lasts forever, Only her memory slips away. [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 02-23-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Michael~ WOW!! Powerful.-SEA |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"I counted down four instead of three." How I love that line. Incredible Michael. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Michael~ You're playing with a full deck for sure. Yeah !  ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
Michael I loved this piece, particularly the last stanza...tracie [This message has been edited by tracie66 (edited 02-23-2000).] |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
This is exceptional Michael. I think it might have given me inspiration for a poem of my own. We will see what develops I guess, last time I thought I had inspiration it came out a horrible mess Anyways, as I said before, great poem, I loved it. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
This is the Michael I know This is his talent on full display This is poetry at its finest Liz |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Speechless here, jaw about reaching the floor in amazement, this is awesome. |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
ahhh though the temptation to cheat when we play is great,the victory is always sweeter when we play fair. Nothing good comes to us when we take the easy road but when the battle is fairly won, we have the greatest victory. Beautifully written Michael. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wow...this leaves me nearly speechless. You've done a wonderful job here...in some ways it reminded me of Poe's "The Raven" |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Michael, True it reminded me of poe, but this was your own and the talent it showed was yours. Wonderful job Michael. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Gripping tale from start to finish! Well done, Michael! Denise |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
...do we play the hand that fate seems to have dealt...or do we demand a new deck of cards... at this point...I'd even settle for a good shuffle...  in awe of you again...amazing... take care, janet marie ...every moment of every day... your still with me in every way. every poem and song... every rhyme and verse... your still here...like a beautiful curse. Janet Marie *I miss you baby... I love you, always.* |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Wow, this is awesome writing! |
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Xcaliber Junior Member
since 2000-02-22
Posts 12 |
I have read alot of your work for the past few week`s and I`m always amazed at just how much talent you have. Nice work. |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
This was powerful Michael...you hinted about the haunted door from an earlier poem (the one that scared me half crazy!!) and my hair stood on end again!!! This poem tangles many emotions together...I LOVED it!!! Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
I thought this was another one of those, I was gonna say did they follow you? WOW, chilling and just wow! You've left me in a lot of that here lately! AWE! |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
I know this was kinda lengthy so thanks to all who've read it all the way through. Marge - I think someone slipped and extra joker in sometimes...LOL Mistikman, I hope I have inspired a poem within you, would love to see it...LMK Marilyn, I suppose victory would be greater if one never cheated....not that I'd cheat in anything but I kind of believe in that "Nice Guys Finish Last" syndrome and hey, I'm a nice guy. Hoot & Sy, there could be no greater compliment (for me) than that. Janet Marie, I'm up for an entirely new game - throw the cards away...let's roll the dice a little.... Devina, much was tangled up in this one for sure. Glad I could get your hair up again...LOL Thanks everyone, for the kind replies. michael |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
As soon as I started reading this, I used the rhythm of Poe's "The Raven". . . try it! Very good Michael. . . I can see that you have found your outlet. . . --------------------------------------------- That which gives light must endure burning --Victor Frankl |
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