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Open Poetry #3
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Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion

0 posted 1999-10-30 11:10 PM


The Swinger

Old man waited until twilight
Made coffee, poured a cup
Sarah Vaughn on the radio
Stacked dishes, cleaned up

Thought of things he’d never done
Learning to waltz, fly, and sing
Telling his father he loved him
Simple things, like how to swing

Dipping in the swimmin’ hole
Catching trout on summer days
Lying in grass, watching clouds
Whiling the hours away

Chores on the farm never ended
His entire life seemed that way
No time for anything but work
Did he just not know how to play?

Compelled to do something
Before this life slipped away
He donned his hat and coat
His cane to steady his sway

Walked slowly to the park
Quiet neighborhood
Windows alight with family life
Pondered his own boyhood

Lowered his old body down
Sat proper-like there
Dropped his cane in the sand
His feet propelled the air

Getting into the swing
Had come every night for a week
“Whoosh” sound in his ears
Listened to tired bones creak

What a funny silhouette
Swinging to and fro’
Long overcoat dangling
Fedora hat just so

Happiness there
In the fading light
Swinging alone
Smiling tonight

© 1999 CM Bailey



© Copyright 1999 Corinne - All Rights Reserved
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

1 posted 1999-10-30 11:19 PM


This is wonderful, Corinne. I felt a tug of my heartstrings for the old guy!

------------------
Denise


Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
2 posted 1999-10-30 11:24 PM


As did I. Very enjoyable reading.
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
3 posted 1999-10-31 09:09 AM


Great post, thanks for the read
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
4 posted 1999-10-31 12:17 PM


Thank you! True story...friend of my mother's father...I was so touched by it, had to get it down on paper, you know?

Corinne

Watcher666
Senior Member
since 1999-10-13
Posts 1606

5 posted 1999-11-02 05:00 PM


Loved this!

------------------
Illusion...what we see and what we do...it's all up to you.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
6 posted 2004-04-25 10:01 PM


made me smile
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