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Open Poetry #47
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Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere

0 posted 2011-06-10 04:50 PM


He has come within an inch of his life
more than a time or two
as luck would have it
he's still here
to say it's true
Born in the Flats of Fairbury
in June of forty-nine
He was never one
for walking the
straight and narrow line
A river rat raised on the Little Blue
Started smoking at eleven
Bought his first car at twelve
By thirteen he was shooting pool
and making more money
than his daddy ever brought home
After that you couldn't keep him in school
As luck would have it
the court ordered him
to the Boys Industrial School
and off he went to do his time
at the house of hard knocks
and nobody's fool
He left from there
with little more than
a wild hair
As luck would have it
the crazy years to follow
didn't kill him
and he learned a lot
about life and people
and what it means
to be a man
a good man
a good friend
a good husband

He's seen thirty twice now
plus a couple more
and he never thought
he'd live to see the day
And now that the hair isn't quite
so wild
and is undeniably gray
I just wanted to say
Happy Birthday
And as luck would have it
your Social Security
is on the way.

LGR(C)6/10/11


[This message has been edited by Sunshine (06-15-2011 12:24 PM).]

© Copyright 2011 Lori Grosser Rhoden - All Rights Reserved
Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
1 posted 2011-06-10 05:46 PM


I like this.  I'd bet he's got a fund of 'river rat' stories too.

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2011-06-10 06:31 PM


Yes he does have a few stories...and he tells them very well. Thanks
Lori

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
3 posted 2011-06-11 12:45 PM


Damn, you could've written this about me almost, with a few minor changes. The College of Hard Knocks is one of the best educational tools available if you can survive and understand what you've learned. Sounds like he has.

~ Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.--Will Rogers ~

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
4 posted 2011-06-11 09:04 PM


Well Jerry, with a few minor changes, I thought you reminded me of someone...
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
5 posted 2011-06-13 12:48 PM


Enjoyed the story and the way you told it, Lori.
                               Ida

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
6 posted 2011-06-13 07:20 AM


Left with a wild hair and seen thirty twice now....love those lines. Actually there aren't any I don't like!

I think we probably all know someone these lines could relate to...and that makes it all the more powerful and touching.

Very nicely done, miss....

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2011-06-14 09:38 PM


I have to agree with everyone on the
great parts...

I'll email you!



P.S. Happy Birthday to the guy, right?


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