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Open Poetry #1
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One Beer for Rosie
| Open Poetry #1 |
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One Beer for Rosie |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The bar was just an ordinary, nondescript affair, A raw of stools with checkered tables scattered here and there And clientele whose faces traced the passage of the years Recounting faded memories over twenty-five cent beers. I don't know when he wandered in but, looking at his face, Even in a dive like that, the bum seemed out of place. Perhaps the rain had driven him as it had driven me To find whatever refuge from the downpour off the sea. At any rate, he shook so badly he could barely stand And held a wrinkled photograph clenched tightly in his hand. A drunk sat on one barstool, clothes and hair in disarray, And, as the bum approached him, I could hear the old man say "One beer for my sweet Rosie, sir. Just one small beer, I pray. A tribute to my sweetheart who has up and gone away. One beer to drink in memory of the one I held so dear, My Rosie would be grateful if you'll grant me one small beer." I wouldn't have thought the drunk to be awake, much less be able To hear the old man's plea or see the photo on the table, But, as he looked, one finger rose to call the barman near And, in a voice stone sober, said "Jim, give this man a beer." I must admit I was surprised at this strange turnabout For I was sure as anything he'd throw the old bum out, And would have expected anything except for what I'd heard. The old man drained the glass and left without another word. Two teens were playing pinball in one corner of the bar And, as the old man neared them, I KNEW there would be a war! The bum waved Rosie's picture and began the same tirade Just barely heard above the din the pinball buzzers made. One boy took the photograph and, as he looked, his face Rose above the cheapness and the squalor of the place. He nudged the other, who had let the pinball disappear, And, in one voice, they called aloud, "Jim, give this man a beer! Curiosity enfolded me at what had taken place And must confess I burned with strong desire to see that face. What eyes could be so piercing or what nose could be so dear? What face could be so beautiful to warrant so much beer? One by one, he made his rounds and showed the photograph. Each patron stared intently - there was not one single laugh, And, as they gave it back to him, I knew now what I'd hear - Clear voices calling, one by one, "Jim, give this man a beer!" "Hey! Let me see that photograph", I called with laughing voice. "I'll tell you if your Rosie would be something of my choice. Just let me have a little look," I added, with a leer "And, if she's pretty as you say, you'll have another beer!" The bum approached me timidly and not a single sound Escaped his features as he reached and lay the photo down. Just why his fingers trembled as he did it wasn't clear But I was sure as anything it wouldn't cost a beer! I snatched the photo quickly and I held it to my eyes And, as I looked, my features filled with anger and surprise. Was I to be a laughingstock? The victim of some prank? The features on the photograph in front of me were blank! I glared up at the old man, my eyes blazing angrily And saw a room of stone-cold faces staring back at me. Confusion made me falter at this stand the barroom took So I picked the photo up again to have another look. By staring at the photo I could see the faintest trace 0f golden hair cascading down the outline of a face. The photo had been carried, kissed and handled so darn much Her features had almost been wiped clean by this bum's loving touch! How long had this old-timer carried Rosie gingerly While seeking solace in a beer to ease the memory? I fought the wetness in my eyes and spoke up loud and clear These words, "She's beautiful, my friend. Jim, give this man a beer." |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Could they have been at "The Memory of Marie?" |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
 You're something else, Dear Balladeer - Do you have to be so darned good????? |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Listen, You have to stop this now. There's only so much I can handle. Another one like this and my heart will surely break. I'm going to start the tea once more.....and gather a kleenex or two. (On second thought, a glass of wine may be in order.) Brilliant work. Thank you. |
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Soleil Member
since 1999-06-12
Posts 113 |
It amazes me the ground you cover in your poetry...I'm still back with the dead horse and you're with Rosie.There's a grand pub in Washington I could share with you. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank YOU, Sally! Choose the wine. Nan...Sy says I have to be, to keep up with you. Elizabeth...no, they were "Sitting in a Bar"...(and there will be more bar ballads coming!) Soleil.....sounds inviting. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 06-18-99).] |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I think the poet's personality begins to show in his poetry after reading a few. You know, Balladeer, you are a kind, thoughtful person. Your poetry has such depth of feeling and you capture the human spirit in many different ways. I begin to believe in reincarnation....may I call you Shakespeare? |
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Genea Member
since 1999-06-15
Posts 321USA |
Balladeer, Great poem! 25cent beers????? LONNNNNNNG time ago, huh? lolol ~Genea |
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ac Member
since 1999-06-17
Posts 129Cayey, PR - USA |
your poetry tells a story of life and times that are so real... and you capture the meaning of those things our human souls hold dear...don't stop... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Genea and ac for your approval. Yes, it was a long time ago. Poet deVine...you can call me anything.....anytime |
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milt Junior Member
since 1999-06-19
Posts 18whitley city ky usa |
great story, great form, your a truly talented writer |
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Allyn New Member
since 1999-06-19
Posts 3Chula Vista, California, USA |
Wow! I'm in awe. |
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Dusk Treader
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 1187St. Paul, MN |
Wow, you are an incredible writer. I'm in awe of your skill. ------------------ *Dusk Treader* pacing the path between dark and light. |
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elvira Senior Member
since 1999-07-06
Posts 936California |
someone get him a beer...our most talented Balladeer...thanks for the goosebumps...*sigh*  ------------------ one night at the airport...Childhood Memories...eight short weeks...your countenance...just watching tv...hoarse whispers...My One and Only...Tribute to M.J....Feel the need?...serving wench...the mistress...stolen hours...devotion...Master...apart |
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Delores Hall Member
since 1999-07-16
Posts 342USA |
I wasn't going to reply,but this is wonderful.If I could only be this good. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Thank goodness Delores is going back through the archives and reviving the good ones. ------------------ Sunshine Words will always express our feelings true. ~~~ KRJ Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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~one voice~ Senior Member
since 1999-07-08
Posts 664Billings, MT USA |
Balladeer, besides the fascinating stories that are told inside your work, if I had to name only one thing that I loved about them, it would be how you never fail to add every detail. ------------------ ~onevoice~ "I never kissed somebody so that they would break my heart." |
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redwriter1 Member
since 1999-07-22
Posts 480Franklin, TN |
you sure you aren't a country songwriter at heart?? (grin).. If you ever want to co-write, I'd be honored. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all....very much, Redwriter1, I AM a country and western songwriter at heart. Yhe pleasure would be mine. |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
When I first replied to this, I didn't say how GOOD it was! So, I'll say it now... THIS POEM IS GOOD! Oh wait-I think you guys realized that. *blush*  Anyway, Balladeer, you have once again come up with something terrific, and why on Earth haven't you been published? Are the editors nuts? I am not just saying this either![This message has been edited by Elizabeth (edited 08-01-99).] |
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Areya Junior Member
since 1999-06-26
Posts 16 |
You must be a keen observer of human nature. Very wonderfully written. [This message has been edited by Areya (edited 08-02-99).] |
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angel girl Member
since 1999-07-23
Posts 322within a whisper... |
Balladeer, you are truly amazing. it is always a delight to read something you wrote. ------------------ The world is in your hands; it is what you make of it. keep on chuggin' |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I'm still new to this forum But I've already guessed If it's written by the Balladeer It'll be among the best! |
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countrygirl19_73 Junior Member
since 1999-08-02
Posts 12HERMANN MO |
Well I have looked through some of your poems and although I am not new to the whole poetry writting world, I am just now starting to let others in on some of the things i have written about. Simply put, you are very good. Sincerly, Lori K. Perkins ------------------ Lori K. Perkins |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
What a beautiful love..:-))) HUGS ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
What a beautiful story from a pretty damned beautiful mind. A |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Enjoyed ARCTIC WIND |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Still one of the great poems. "late" |
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