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Open Poetry #41
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Bronzeage
Member
since 2007-07-20
Posts 197


0 posted 2007-09-01 10:38 AM



Four old men and me,
drink coffee on a Saturday morning.
Nick names become real names,
names so old no one remembers why.
Fatty, Coach, Blackie, Push, and me.
With this team, I can
drive a steam locomotive,
invade France,
win 2 State championships,
and fly a P-51.
I can tell them why
their check engine light came on.
More coffee all around.
Fatty raises his chin
for a kiss on the lips
from the waitress.
Blackie wears white pants and shirt.
“You must be a virgin, all in white today.”
“Maybe I am. I can’t remember
the first or the last time.”
Coach worries for his wife.
Surgery on her leg didn’t go well.
Push says she will outlive them all.
Children live in three states
Grandchildren too far away
Not complaining, no complaints
Its just the way it is.
A trembling hand on a strong arm
reaches for the sugar.
USMC bulldog in a helmet tattoo
hiding under the hair.
“Take your coffee black,
You can send anybody for coffee
and get it right.”
I’m drinking coffee
with four old men
who knew my father
and they think he was a fine man.
Sometimes they forget who I am
and call me by his name.


Type II poet. Its worth the work.

© Copyright 2007 Bron Zeage - All Rights Reserved
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

1 posted 2007-09-01 10:42 AM


This was so down to earth and such a pleasure to read this slice of life poetry.  Nicely done indeed. I am glad you have joined the pip crew, I so enjoy your offerings.

after a fall I get back up,
move on 'cause the past is the past and theres no tomorrow if remaining in still waters while the river flows on ~dsmith

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
2 posted 2007-09-01 10:48 AM


My compliments for this touching piece!

There is this heart-gripping feeling of the passing of time ... but also the acceptance of what is with great serenity.

Love,
Margherita

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
3 posted 2007-09-01 10:49 AM


Sounds as tho' those venerable old souls see you as a 'pip' off your dear father's block!

It must be fascinating to listen to them. We can learn so much from those who have already been there and done that.

I felt as tho' I was eavesdropping ~ and I enjoyed every minute of it!


EA

aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
4 posted 2007-09-01 03:09 PM


I saw them, heard them and felt like I knew them.

A

sweetbomb
Junior Member
since 2007-08-07
Posts 48
Canada
5 posted 2007-09-01 04:46 PM


Love this. The comfort and companionship of long time friends. D
JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
6 posted 2007-09-01 05:58 PM


The best...James
aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
7 posted 2007-09-04 10:43 PM


I am not ready to see this one leave the first page yet.

A

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
8 posted 2007-11-15 01:22 PM


Good writing, thought provoking.
                          Ida

aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
9 posted 2007-11-15 02:42 PM


I am so happy that the Four Old Men came back to visit us.  I really like them.

A

Kahlil
Senior Member
since 2003-04-12
Posts 1881

10 posted 2007-11-16 08:41 PM


I feel as though I was sitting at the next table,
eavesdropping, as EA mentioned.
I enjoyed the people-study.
But I'm really wondering, what did they call your dad? (and you)


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