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Open Poetry #3
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Samuel Johnson Matthewson
| Open Poetry #3 |
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Samuel Johnson Matthewson |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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( first in a series of poems depicting the life of this character ) Very few things can grab your heart and make you scream out loud Very few things burst buttons off because you feel so proud. Fewer things still can blind your sight and make your blood run wild Than the miracle of witnessing the birth of your first child. In that old house in that small town that cold eve in December A grand event was happening all present would remember For, with his cheeks a little puffy and his fingers slightly curled, Samuel Johnson Matthewson came headfirst in this world. I recall the jubilation and the cheering and the joy From the time Doc stuck his thin neck out and shouted, "It's a boy!" All the neighbors who had gathered and were waiting in the hall Slapped new poppa on the back and drinks were had by all. As the mother brought the new child out there fell a quiet hush As all gathered 'round the miracle to 'look but please don't touch' But their fingers touched his baldy head and prodded his behind As memories from days gone by came slowly into mind. Old farmer Bill thought, "Boy or girl? I hope it ain't no neuter!" While Mizz Brown thought, "I do believe my Sarah Jane was cuter." All there gave praise and swore that he was perfect to the letter (Though, secretly, they knew their own to be a trifle better.) For Mr Matthewson standing there, that wasn't quite the case As waves of pride engulfed his heart and tears slid down his face. "Look at those arms", he thought, inside," a ton of power there! With those big hands he's bound to be a top-notch baseball player." "Don't matter none just how he is, be it hefty, tall or slim Everything I never had, that's what I'll give to him. Money, books and school and such - and when all's said and done, He'll be proud that I'm his dad and I - that he's my son'" For Mrs. Matthewson, cradling the infant in her arms, Her eyes sought out his handsomeness and futuristic charms. She traced the blueness of his eyes and firmness of his chin And knew that any girl he chose to be with, he would win. "Be strong", she whispered silently. "Be sweet and tender, too And find the one girl in this life who'll be the best for you. Shower her with tenderness and gentle, loving care. Your heart will not be broken if you're capable to share." Such were emotions traded in that month of Christmas fairies On that cold night of winter as ten score imaginary Trumpets blurted out the news and banners were unfurled As Samuel Johnson Matthewson came head-first in this world, |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Not your usual fare, but a wondrous verse nonetheless. ------------------ Now and forever, my heart hears ~one voice~. DreamEvil© [This message has been edited by DreamEvil (edited 11-07-1999).] |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
So we have to wait for the other installments? Not sure I can. This is one of your best, Balladeer, and teasing us with the promise of more is too bad of you!!  Is it ready yet? |
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X Angel Senior Member
since 1999-11-07
Posts 1521Oregon |
Very good! I liked this alot! Is this about someone you know? Or fiction?  X ------------------ "We have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night" (Tombstone epitaph of two amateur astronomers) |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer, so beautiful and loving are these words. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
...and not a minute too soon...I was beginning to get those annoying withdrawal shakes again! Very very very good! Please hurry with the next installment! ------------------ Denise |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Dream. hehe. It is so good to have you back, deVine one. Now wait!!! All fiction, Angel. Ramblings of a wayward mind. Martie, thank you very much. Hey, Denise. Don't get them shakes! I'll be back! [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 11-07-1999).] |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
I think you're too good for mere words. I too, think this is one of your best yet. (If that's possible  ) Bravo, my deer. |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
This is outstanding Balladeer.A master storyteller with such heart....how we all look forward to your work! ------------------ A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
And here I'd been thinking a wayward mind was something to avoid! *G* Great job, 'Deer one! |
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Watcher666 Senior Member
since 1999-10-13
Posts 1606 |
Beautiful begin....can't wait for the rest! ------------------ Illusion...what we see and what we do...it's all up to you. |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
well being the mother, I am there at the birth, lol, but its not the same as watching, I got to see my grandson born, and witnessed the pain and smiles, it was incredible. Loved this poem, loved the way the neighbors....you capture so much real human emotions in your poems will be sitting right beside devine *not so patiently* waiting for the next |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
This was really "true to life" type stuff man.....I enjoyed it, look forward to more... |
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Lorelei54 Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 458 |
I am speechless..beautiful, and from a man! Thank you for sharing your tender moments with us, you and some of the other men here have helped me to see men are human too and have a "tender" side. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Lorelei...being married to that scalawag, I can understand where ya need to see there are some of "US" guys that are sweet, tender and caring....LOL |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
Oh Sir Ballader. I am breathless. This was a wonderful depiction of a new life entering the world. I too will be waiting impatiently for more. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thanks to you all for your generous comments. Yes. Lorelei, I do have a tender side. That's why I sit on cushions whenever possible! |
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caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
Your work is always amazingly good, Balladeer, and this is no exception I love it! ------------------ "Tread softly, for I have spread my dreams under your feet"~~William Butler Yeats |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: You do tell a good story... HUSG ps: How long for the next part? I'll have to go to bed soon..*g* ------------------ 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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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
What a wonderful story. I can hardly wait for the next one. : ) |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I will not say it's great, just that I may now relate, and ask for Chapter Two with great haste, so go man go, no time to waste! |
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