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Open Poetry #4
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The Last Carnival
| Open Poetry #4 |
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The Last Carnival |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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It was just a two-bit carnival, the kind you see around That travel through midwestern states and plays in one-horse towns. Some sad sack clowns, a bearded gal, two-headed dog and such, A ferris wheel and carousel that broke down way too much. Some petty games to win a teddy or a faded doll And those who won received their prize but not without a scowl, But there weren't many - games were fixed - most everybody lost. A carnival needs money, man. You gotta cut those costs. Why did I work there? Who can say? The owner was a jerk But, in the hills of Tennessee, a man don't find much work. So there I was. I did it all. Sold tickets, played the clown, And fixed that blasted carousel each time that it broke down. 'Twas in the spring of '98, in some forgotten town, A small event took place that helped me turn my life around. The town had looked dirt poor but I could hear the owner say Those folks could use a break from life and he was sure they'd pay. So up the tents went - dirty canvas, broken poles and all, That carousel I loved so well again stood straight and tall. The clowns slapped greasepaint on their jaws. The word was sent around To 'grab the wife and kiddies 'cause the carnival's in town'. My job was that of ticket seller. I took in the loot And anyone who tried to sneak around me got the boot. The owner told me any shorts would come out of my pay. My pay was small enough. I wouldn't lose it in this way. Well, toward the end of afternoon, the crowd was pretty light When two small boys and one old man approached in fading light. The boys were gonna walk right in until they heard me holler, "Just hold on there, you little pups, unless you got a dollar!" "Oh, we don't have to pay", one boy said, with a little grin. "My grandpa knows the owner. He said we could go right in. My grandpa's an important man", I heard him say with pride. "The owner told him it's ok for us to go inside." I almost laughed. The owner wouldn't let his Ma in free! I turned to face the little man, eyes blazing angrily. He stood there very quietly. He didn't make a sound. He had his hat held in his hands. His eyes stared at the ground. I turned to see the boyful grins, pride showing in their eyes And what I knew I had to do was really no surprise. "I'm sorry, sir," I said. "I didn't see you in this light. Go right in ,boys. Enjoy it. What your grandpa said was right." The boys ran past me, whooping wildly, toward the colored lights, Enthusiasm rampant for the carnival delights. The old man shuffled past me, eyes still down and didn't speak But, as he passed, I saw a tiny tear slide down his cheek. The carny lights shone bright. I was amazed how bright they shone! I felt an inner peace, the likes of which I'd never known. I reached inside my pocket and pulled out a wrinkled bill, The smiled out to the waving boys and dropped it in the till. I left the carnival next morning - hopped a nearby train. I knew I'd learned some fact of life that I could not explain. My life may not be rich but I will do the best I can And always put a helping hand out for my fellow man. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 11-15-1999).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Balladeer this was so touching! Sometimes that's all it takes in life, reach out to someone in need and wonderful things happen! Thanks! |
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Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
This touches me Balladeer.. at a time when I am having problems.. I swear when I find someone to extend that hand.. I will never forget them. |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Well, I guess I'm jealous. :-) But that's not so bad, I read once that jealousy is the child of love, but envy the child of hate. I love your work. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer, this is simply a heart-rendering addition. You are such a master weaver of the tale. This may well be a favorite of mine. I remember the carnivals of my childhood so well. Guess they don't make 'em like that anymore. Or perhaps we just see them with grownup eyes. I like this so very much. ------------------ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Bulls eye, right on the mark. Love your stuff. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
The master strikes again! Your life has to have an interesting history. It's either that or you've read a zillion very good books. Even if you do have this "history" to fall back on, it takes quite a mind to put it into verse the way you do.... [This message has been edited by Toerag (edited 11-15-1999).] |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
What a great story..with a great message. You are the master storyteller.  |
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JTF Member
since 1999-08-09
Posts 319France |
A superb piece and a great message ... Bravo ... |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
love your writing, just love it, it flows so smoothly, the story, the beauty, you almost forget you are reading a poem |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Master story teller at work...do you have a sign that says that when you are writing, because you most certainly need it. Well done |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I could hear the midway and smell the cotton candy... well done, once again! *G* |
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RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
A touching piece. Again a bow to the master bard. ------------------ Once I was brilliant, now I no longer shine, but the twinkle in my eye speaks of another time. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Once my hands are done slapping each other in acclamation of your profound work, I will again reach out to touch someone as I can. Bravo, Sir 'Deer! |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: This touches me with pleasure, same as your heart and hand.. HUSG ------------------ 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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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Helping your fellow man...what more could be expected of you. Wonderful work, as always, Balladeer. Very touching. Michael |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
This touched me deeply Sir. Wonderful story. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Passions is also a carnival, difference is that it's made up of only class acts. My thanks to all of you! |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
You know what I like about your verse Balladeer? - The fact that you assume so many different voices - I think that is quite hard to achieve. Awesome work. K |
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Kevin
since 1999-11-02
Posts 729Torrington, Ct, Usa |
well ive said it before, i dont get into a lot of works but this one had my eyes scrolling down the page before my mouse could react! seriously good stuff and what better way for you to extend your hand to us balladeer bravo |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Oh what a masterpiece. *tears rolling down my face* Honey on paper again! Thank you for this beautiful gift! ------------------ Denise |
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