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Open Poetry #36
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The Robot....reposted with audio
| Open Poetry #36 |
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The Robot....reposted with audio |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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Upon the stairway of despair, Complete with broken love affairs And promises that never came, But faded with a touch of shame, A pretty girl with golden hair And innocence so sadly rare, Strove to keep her head above A way of life devoid of love. Feeling pinned against Life's wall, She chanced upon a robot tall And said, "Please come and share with me Whatever Fate has deemed to be. I'm through with love, done with chances Spirit crushed by past romances, Just be a friend in word and deed. That's all that I shall ever need." "There's not too much from me to learn," Remarked the robot, in return. "Emotions do not form a part of my cold, solid-steel heart. Whatever maker fashioned me Did not permit my circuitry Responsiveness to love or pain - You're thoughts for me would be in vain." "No matter", spoke the maid. "No more Do I wish passion to explore. Be someone I can come home to When my exhausting day is through. Count yourself a well-worn shoe - A friend that I can slip into ...... Protection from a stone cold floor… For this I ask and nothing more." Agreement made, he took her hand And lived the life that she had planned, Always willing, not demanding, Aiding her with understanding He made her smile with humorous wit (As his restrictions would permit) And, bit by bit, she came to feel That he was more than iron and steel. "I love you, robot", she at last Replied when several months had passed. "You're strength and quiet dignity Have brought a wondrous change in me. No more do I feel all alone, And pray you must be flesh and bone. Deep-set emotions you MUST feel Within that outer coat of steel!" "If I were able, I would say I'm sorry I was made this way But my design and programmation Does not provide for that creation 0f feelings normal men may feel That were not born of iron and steel. I told you all this once before. You have no right expecting more." "Go, then!" cried she. "I will not live Beside a fiend who cannot give! Though I be battered by misuse, Misguided trust and strong abuse, At least the men I chose were real And had the power to love and feel. Of all the lovers I recall, You are the cruelest one of all!" The robot, indestructible, Continues freely and at will. Emotionless, apparently, But, bearing closer scrutiny, One can see a small tear streak Down that cold, metallic cheek As I reflect upon my life .... That lovely lady was my wife. The robot, of course, was me. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (09-16-2007 10:20 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2005 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Awwwww....you broke my heart with this one.  |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Yup, I like the technique a lot. Well done as usual. Thank you sir. I do enjoy that voice.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer This was great, I wish you the recognition you deserve. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
With every poem of yours that I have had the pleasure of reading, I had secretly wished to one day hear your voice, Deer Raconteur....It is as I had imagined it would be.  A wonderful write!!! Linda |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Martie...I hope it's under warranty!  Thank you for letting it reach you.Larry...glad you like it! How about giving it a shot??? Sy...thanks but incognito works for me! Earth Angel...that's me - fulfiller of secret wishes. I'm glad you weren't disappointed  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"reposted with audio" :-P shaking my head when I get my altecs back...why...well we'll see. And this is so artful, lovie. Makes me wanna break out that buffer bit on my drill though. (for the TEAR of course ) |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ This is wonderful ... just hearing your voice read again propels me right back to the 'Villa' in New Poet Richey !! There you did 'Small Pain In My Chest' to an enraptured audience of poet friends~ Quite honestly, it's a moment I've not forgotten~ I've gotta make sure to send this link to MarshaLove and NanOfThePilgrimVariety, and to Maureen and to Titia and to Kethry !!! Let's do a conga line around the swimming pool !!  *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))>< Email - noles1@totcon.com |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
This brings me back indeed to that memorable night at the pool in New Poet Richey. Fascinating it was to hear you recite your poems by heart Michael and hearing your beautiful deep voice again now, makes me realize how much I miss you and all the others.  Thanks for giving me that memory pal, it will last forever and ever, deep in my heart. Wish I could knuffel you once more.  TitiaLike scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
 well done!! Loved it all, each and every word! "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
I cannot say that I've read a poem that gave me chills like this one did... marvelous write, and your voice, made this wonder even more real, more eternal...  thank you, thank you so for writing this |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
A tear streaks here, too... and I love this even more than I did when I first read it. *S* |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
OMG Michael... Dear Deer.... this is outstanding and what a beautiful treat to hear your voice. I do believe sir, that Christmas just arrived at my house, and you've no idea how much that means to me... but trust me it does. What a beautiful gift you give us. Hugs. |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
This is absolutely perfect Balladeer. What a delight it must be for all those that cannot read, for whatever reason, to hear your poetry.  |
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luminosity Senior Member
since 2005-11-18
Posts 813 |
enjoyed...very much...a treat to hear it in your voice |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
I didn't think this poem could get any better, that is until I heard your voice reading it. Encore!!!!! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I came back to enjoy this beauty, and then the replies got to me as well.  I WANT MY SOUND BACK!!! sigh You really are the "master". That's why you get the applause. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Serenity...I'm gonna keep posting 'em just to make you get with it! Marge...I remember the conga line..I was afraid Titia was gonna fall into the pool! It's a good memory... Titia...good grief! Burn those pics!!! Yes, it will last forever and keep a knuffel or two on hand....just in case Susan...thank you! Glad you liked it.. LeeJ...thank you so much for getting so much out of it...I appreciate you. suthern gal...your words always mean a lot...thank you :* Gentle Spirit..well, I certainly glad that my "presence" turned into one at your house. Thank you for such a wonderful comment!  Munda...thank you! (I tried to slow it down)..working on Treblinka luminosity..thank you for enjoying it! inot2B...well, we never hear our voices they way others do so we don't really know how it comes across....but, if you say it's good, that's enough for me serenity...got that sound fixed yet? |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Now? Now I think I'm most proud of your giving your voice back to Titia.... and the poem? Is as good as it can get! |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
So nice to hear you again, Michael... (parts of this remind me of my life) Wishing you a Merry Christmas... M |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
A very creative presentation. I enjoyed the moral of this story Ballad'eer. Well done!! believe in what your heart feels... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Amazing I didn't see this before - I was on the main site this morning reading and found this gem. Man this one speaks to me Michael. Great poem. Carpe' Diem, |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
thank you, Sharon, for the memory of when I used to write poetry.... |
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Haf_Alive Member
since 2011-09-04
Posts 56High in the Sky |
omg. best. poem. ever. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Haf_Alive. Glad you enjoyed.. |
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