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Hello, me? It's Me!!

Balladeer
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0 posted 01-03-2010 10:28 AM

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Time to get the poetic juices flowing for the new  decade.

Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to call yourself in the past. Pick up the phone, call the person you were when you were younger and offer advice, warnings, or whatever you want to say to yourself. Of course, since you are on the other end of the line, too, you may include how the younger you responds to such a call or the advice given. Darn,  rebellious,  fearless youngsters that we all were!!

Choose any form you wish. For those using structured forms, you still need to adhere to the rules of that structure with regards to meter, syllable  counts, etc.

It's something you can have a little fun with....and even a little soul-searching retrospect at the same time

Alison

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since 01-27-2008
Posts 6462
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

1 posted 01-03-2010 07:43 PM

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I am glad that we are back to the Workshop. Happy New Year, Balladeer - thank you for all the time that you spend with us in here.

A

Alison

Member Ascendant
since 01-27-2008
Posts 6462
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

2 posted 01-04-2010 01:06 AM

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Hello, me? It's me!

--

Dear Alison ~

I have thought of so much I would tell you
On a day that season�s light drifts on by
Each day brings empty pages for mem�ries
To share stories soaring high on wind sighs.

Never forget dirt side roads and bare feet
Sun rays dancing over blades of sweet grass
Voices chat over chirps of birds in flight
Clouds cast shadows over fields as they pass.

Carry waves that push sand from the inlet
Smell the kelp that has washed onto the shore
Watch the eagles soar high with wind currents
Let your mind carry these days from before.

Hear the snow as it falls to tree branches
Feel the fog as it drifts over high hills
Watch the berries ripen with spring rain drops
Days once boring become stories to thrill.

Hold the hands of a family who love you
Clasp the fingers that will never let go
We are pieces formed from another day
Sharing a past that forever will grow

I have thought of so much I would tell you
It is expressed in the poems you write
Link to pasts that will forever linger
And paint pictures in your dreams every night

With love
Alison

[This message has been edited by Alison (01-04-2010 01:54 AM).]

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 10-29-2000
Posts 18617
Between the Lines

3 posted 01-04-2010 08:42 AM

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Awaiting

Emerging, I was in my shyness
fourth of five, fairly small in my teens
watching and wondering thoughtfully,
I would picture my future in scenes.

The sixties, supposedly freer.
Well, for some that was easy to be.
You know I reserved too much passion
for the one who could do that for me.

Regretting at times all the missing,
those "happenings" that others enjoyed.
Kept telling myself in the long run
that I wasn't the kind to be "toyed".

Still, yesterdays' moments rest softly
in the summers of meeting him first.
If onlys could become the reruns,
all these feelings of loss at the worst...

Would challenge with thoughts of tomorrow,
awakening myself each new day,
with chances that reach out to touch me,
making sure to take time out to "play".

For life is too short, I have noticed,
especially since losing so much.
Its meanings behind hold the value,
not just words, but of actual touch.

Needing to fill all the emptiness,
wanting " normalcy" if such a thing,
lays deeply between all these verses
to reread, while awaiting the Spring.

(I tried)

Balladeer
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4 posted 01-04-2010 09:05 AM

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Hi there, Alison...happy New Year to you, too!

It's a nice poem, a sweet poem, a poem of advising to appreciate the small and beautiful things in life....and "smell the flowers".

I want more. I don't want advice every mother gives to every son. C'mon, girl...push yourself! Are there no bad decisions in your life you wish you could change, you wish you would warn the younger you to avoid?...at least something like "Don't trust Billy Joe Tolliver when he says he wants to touch you there only ONE time!"

Young people look at things differently than older ones do....that's a given. It's like Bill Gates said to a graduating class..."Be kind to nerds. You will be working for one some day." Warn yourself of what your younger tendencies might lead to. Let your younger self be rebellious to your suggestions, if you like. Sink your teeth into it and show me what you can do.

Hey, I didn't say it would be easy

Balladeer
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5 posted 01-04-2010 09:13 AM

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Maureen, I really enjoy that poem. It is like a reminiscing of a life gone by, with memories and regrets blended in of days gone by.

Still not what I was hoping for...but you did what you did well.

..and, yes, you tried, and I appreciate that VERY much and I thank you. Happy New Year!

Alison

Member Ascendant
since 01-27-2008
Posts 6462
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

6 posted 01-04-2010 09:54 AM

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Okay, wasn't really wanting to go there I guess. How about if we just make that one chapter one? I'll be back with another one later.

A

Balladeer
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7 posted 01-04-2010 11:14 AM

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I understand, Alison. Pushing boundaries is something poetry is all about. If there's anywhere you don't want to go.....by all means, don't.

There are plenty of ways to have fun with it

Mysteria

Member Laureate
since 03-07-2001
Posts 19117
British Columbia, Canada

8 posted 01-04-2010 02:05 PM

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I read the responses just now and had to do this to you.

Hello, Me?  It's Me!

"I just had to call and tell you
You need to slow down, and get a life.
What is it now about 4 times?
That you've been someone's wife?"

"You're a stone no moss will find
Venues in life to you are many,
A fortune twice and now just look...
Have you even got a penny?"

"Well, I believe in Carpe' Diem.
Just can't stand to waste any time.
I only get one ride on this pony,
I want a quarter for my dime!"

"I don't regret a thing I've done,
In fact, I'd do it all again.
I know just what you're thinking...
"What's wrong with her brain!"

"There never was any fortune,
I just share what I have to give.
Ever heard, "You can't take it with you,"
Sharing is how decent people live."

"I am not prepared to argue that point
I know you'll never change your way.
We'll just agree to disagree,
So let's talk again some day."

~♥ Mysteria ♥~

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 10-29-2000
Posts 18617
Between the Lines

9 posted 01-04-2010 02:25 PM

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loved it Sharon...and maybe for those of us who have many years behind us, it is more difficult to have a talk about regrets when just maybe there weren't any in those younger years. And we have too many years that we can consider being younger.

Mine were only that I didn't take more chances and was always a "goody two-shoes" but then again I never did get into any trouble...so what is there to regret?

M

Balladeer
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Member Seraphic
since 06-05-99
Posts 23790
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

10 posted 01-04-2010 07:42 PM

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Now you have the idea, Sharon. That's more like it. Your structure is all over the place but you've never professed to excel in that area anyway. Nice work!

Maureen, if you have no regrets you are indeed a happy lady. I salute you

Mysteria

Member Laureate
since 03-07-2001
Posts 19117
British Columbia, Canada

11 posted 01-04-2010 08:17 PM

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Structure? What structure?

You've got that right - if I could have taken time to "learn how to write" who knows, I may just have been good!

I have fun and that is the main thing.

Maureen - I never did get into any trouble...so what is there to regret? I would sure regret not getting into trouble!

I have tons of regrets! I sure learned from them I will tell you. I was an adventure seeker then, and still am. The 60's were definitely my downfall in more ways that I could expose in here.

I think I will challenge Michael to write to himself about his daze in the 60's - how about it Michael?

Klassy Lassy
Senior Member
since 06-28-2005
Posts 1748
Oregon

12 posted 01-05-2010 12:33 AM

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Talking to 'Used to Be'

Oh, Child, how can I talk to you?
You always tell the truth;
I am jaded through and through
and envy you your youth.

Innocence lies upon your lips,
your body moves to dance,
woman molten in your hips,
shy heartfires in your glance.

In your world, horizons blue
give place for you to fly;
Like Icarus, I am ignorant, too,
and fallen from the sky.

In you, all that love perceives
gives earth a tender sun,
knows a thornless rose believes
the light and rain are one.

Somehow, all I promised you
gave place to dusty shelf,
a boxed-up heart, bruised and blue,
I packed away myself.

Oh! Find the key to long ago,
strong, gentle hands to strum
forgotten melodies soft and low
and teach me how to hum.

Klassy Lassy
Senior Member
since 06-28-2005
Posts 1748
Oregon

13 posted 01-05-2010 12:53 AM

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...hard task trying to get the rhythm and rhyme in sync tonight.

Balladeer
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since 06-05-99
Posts 23790
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

14 posted 01-05-2010 03:31 PM

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Mysteria...they say if you can remember to 60's, you didn't live them! It's a different story for myself, though. I really DIDN'T live them, in a sense. 63-68 was spent in the military, in Europe and the Far East. In 69 I moved to Venezuela for almost a decade so, as far as life in the US in the 60's, I missed them all. We heard little bits of happenings there but not a lot. I knew nothing about Kent State, trying to make the Washington Monument levitate, or Woodstock. I knew very little about the beatniks or wearing flowers in one's hair. Some TV shows that rose to fame in the 60's were unknown to me. All I knew about the 60's was the music, which was universal. I really regret all that I missed during that decade.

I'll try something, though

Balladeer
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since 06-05-99
Posts 23790
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

15 posted 01-05-2010 03:35 PM

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Lassy, I like the poem...a lot. It's a nice thumbnail of a life spent from mother to daughter in a message....with an excellent ending. Not exactly what I was shooting for but I accept it happily and appreciate your joining in.....your structure is fine

Klassy Lassy
Senior Member
since 06-28-2005
Posts 1748
Oregon

16 posted 01-05-2010 04:50 PM

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I did miss the mark in grounding, else the reader would realize that it is not mother to daughter, but old self to young self lost. We don't get to go back unless we lose the present. I'm not looking forward to that, either.

) Hugs.

Balladeer
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Posts 23790
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17 posted 01-05-2010 07:09 PM

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I got that, Lassy....I just said it wrong. What I meant was from mother of now to daughter she used to be....my mistake

I did uncover something very interesting, though. Here's a list of the top tv shows from 1967-68.

1 The Andy Griffith Show
2 The Lucy Show
3 Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
4 Gunsmoke (tie)
4 Family Affair (tie)
4 Bonanza (tie)
7 The Red Skelton Hour
8 The Dean Martin Show
9 The Jackie Gleason Show
10 Saturday Night at the Movies
11 Bewitched
12 The Beverly Hillbillies
13 The Ed Sullivan Show

COmpare them to the top shows of today, like CSI, 24, Lost, House, MadMen,...and what do you get?

We just don't care to laugh as much anymore!

Klassy Lassy
Senior Member
since 06-28-2005
Posts 1748
Oregon

18 posted 01-05-2010 07:52 PM

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Now, THAT is sad!  I know the crime shows are back to back every night here.  They drive me right out of the living room with gore and man's inhumanity to man.  It holds no allure for me, and I find it despicable that 'entertainment' is filling the minds of young people with it.  More frightening is how many of those shows are based on a real occurance, and it's being glamorized.

We allow things in on TV that we would never invite into our homes off the street, and I think the mental debasement is generally accepted as a signs of the times.  It's a sort of mesmerism that has more influence than most people realize.

So how do we change that mentality?  My grandson says I'm archaic, that I don't know how things are these days.  hmmmmm.

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 06-05-99
Posts 23790
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

19 posted 01-05-2010 11:32 PM

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So I dialed the phone of magic
(How it got there I don't know)
And called the lad that I had been
Those many years ago.

"Hello", I said, as he picked up.
"You won't believe it's true
But I'm calling from your future
And who's calling you is...you!"

"Hey, who the hell is this??"he said.
"You dial your number wrong?
Or maybe this is just a joke..
Ok, I'll play along.

"You always were a smartass, boy",
I told him as I smiled.
You had that way about you ever
Since you were a child."

"I'm gonna give you some advice
And then it's up to you.
How you wind up when you reach me
Depends on what you do."

"I know you like to spend a lot
And when you're broke, it sucks.
It might not be a bad idea
To save a couple bucks."

"Ten bucks a week is not too hard.
You spend that much on beer.
You'll be surprised at how much you
Will have when you get here."

"Be sure to go to college, boy.
I know you don't like to study
But you gotta have diplomas
If you want to be somebody."

"You always were a handsome lad
No problem with the chicks.
Whenever you walked in a room
You always had your pick..."

But there is more to women than
Nice lips or shapely thigh.
Look for their inner beauty
And the twinkle in their eye."

"And when you find the one for you
And raise a family
Don't ever turn your back on your
Responsibliity."

"You'll find out when you reach my age",
I spoke into the phone,
"That there is nothing worse in life
Than living it alone."

"Well, that's all entertaining, man
Whoever you may be
But you can save that sad advice
For anyone but me!"

"Save money? I don't make that much
And what I make, I spend.
I'd rather use it while I'm young
Than be rich at the end."

"There are no rich men in the grave.
I'll leave no song unsung.
I'd rather sample all of life
While I'm still strong and young."

"And college? No, that's not for me.
I'm pretty smart, you know?
I'll find some way to use my wit
And make a pile of dough."

"I won't be sitting,  waiting for
Some social security.
I'm gonna be a big success
'Cause I believe in me!"

" I'm looking for that perfect girl
Who has a golden heart
But long, smooth legs and perky breasts
Are where I like to start!"

"Gather rosebuds...sow wild oats. That's
What they say to do.
I plan to gather and to sow
A lot before I'm through!!"

" Hey, I enjoyed this, mystery man,
Whoever the heck you are
But I gotta go. The gang is
Waiting for me at the bar."

"Take care, old man" were his last words.
I heard the line go dead
And sat there in my empty house,
With memories  in my head.

The SS  check would come tomorrow.
I would be well-fed.
I got up from my easy chair
And hobbled off to bed.

I'd tried to tell him - or tell me
Based on the life I had
But  couldn't make him change his ways
And, to tell the truth, I'm glad.

Alison

Member Ascendant
since 01-27-2008
Posts 6462
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

20 posted 01-05-2010 11:38 PM

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I am enjoying each of these so very much.

xoox
A

Balladeer
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since 06-05-99
Posts 23790
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21 posted 01-06-2010 12:01 AM

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Yep, and I appreciate all of the participation

Alison

Member Ascendant
since 01-27-2008
Posts 6462
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

22 posted 01-06-2010 12:10 AM

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Okay, I brought the first poem here and it is part of a group of poems.  The reason I didn't leave this one behind is because I loved where I grew up and I miss it.  I remember those summer days on dirt roads heading to the river, and to the inlet too.  I am telling myself to hold onto those moments and savor them.  Even if we go back, we are not the same and place changes.  The reference to my family is to tell myself then (and now) that I was/am loved.  We struggle in our dysfunction, but hands down ... we are family and will catch the other when necessary.  So, I guess, this poem deserves a spot with the other three.

Yes, I wrote three more (I removed one though).  I am at a place mentally where I couldn't not go where I went.  My life, like all of lives, is a sandwhich of events, time and emotion.  I just am not sure which two poems are the bread and which is the meat.

I promise - I am not going to add anymore.

A
-

I

Don�t stick your tongue on icy flagpoles;
it won�t come off and you will cry.
Don�t push your finger to a grinder;
grinders will sand them - there's no surprise!

Don�t ride bikes until you know their brakes;
you won�t believe how they will fly.
Don�t get angry and flip off the bird;
Mom�s wooden spoon hits hard and high.

Don�t flush your oatmeal down the commode;
it won�t go far and you�ll get caught.
Don�t hide boiled eggs in a cold cream jar;
when they are found, they stink like rot

Don�t bring home kittens until you ask;
(That makes Mom�s day go right to pot).
Don�t drive fast over those gravel roads;
Dad fusses and grumbles a lot.

This time is not as bad as it seems;
you need to hang on to your cool.
It takes time to find the path you seek -
for now, explore every new rule.

II

I have thought of so much I would tell you
On a day that season�s light drifts on by
Each day brings empty pages for mem�ries
To share stories soaring high on wind sighs.

Never forget dirt side roads and bare feet
Sun rays dancing over blades of sweet grass
Voices chat over chirps of birds in flight
Clouds cast shadows over fields as they pass.

Carry waves that push sand from the inlet
Smell the kelp that has washed onto the shore
Watch the eagles soar high with wind currents
Let your mind carry these days from before.

Hear the snow as it falls to tree branches
Feel the fog as it drifts over high hills
Watch the berries ripen with spring rain drops
Days once boring become stories to thrill.

Hold the hands of a family who love you
Clasp the fingers that will never let go
We are pieces formed from another day
Sharing a past that forever will grow

I have thought of so much I would tell you
It is expressed in the poems you write
Link to pasts that will forever linger
And paint pictures in your dreams every night

III

(Present)

I don�t have any wisdom
Is really all I want to say.
Just try to make each day last
Don�t let time get pushed away.
The parties are just minefields
With bonfires, some pot and booze
A decision you make while drunk
When sober, you�d rarely choose.

I don�t have any wisdom
You�ll plug your ears while you can
You do not care what I think
The years bridge us like a span
Do not give yourself away
Always strive for what you want
Or images skip behind you
With laughter in every taunt.

(Past)

You don�t have any wisdom?
I listen to what you say
I know you are my future
I choose what to do today
I listen to words you speak
They pour out my other ear
I see your lips are moving
I listen - but I don�t hear.

I wish I cared, but I don�t
My dream is to be like you
You got out and you moved on
And I don�t know what to do
If you could reach out your hand
And spin the fingers of time
Maybe then, my ears would hear
Something more than empty rhyme.

So go on back where you live
Someday I might see you there
Set things up and make things right
Perhaps, then I�ll learn to care.

-

Alison

Mysteria

Member Laureate
since 03-07-2001
Posts 19117
British Columbia, Canada

23 posted 01-06-2010 01:38 AM

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Michael that was wonderful! I could have had that same conversation with me

Don't worry about the 60's really, I lived them and I mean lived them. You must have had a far more interesting 10 years I am sure.

Klassy Lassy
Senior Member
since 06-28-2005
Posts 1748
Oregon

24 posted 01-06-2010 07:45 AM

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What wonderfully wrought and insightful poems! You are an adventuresome lot. It is fascinating to see how the poems evolve. I read a book by Richard Bach called "Running from Safety" that this challenge reminds me of. I'll have to try this again...see if I can find a voice.

[This message has been edited by Klassy Lassy (01-06-2010 09:40 PM).]

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