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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 1999-12-22 12:02 PM



(pardon the repost. I don't normally care for much of what I write but this one I do......)

When I was just a young boy sitting on my father's knee,
I marveled at all the stories and fables he nightly told to me
And one fable, in particular, stayed in my memory -
About the small kingdom of Lox.

Lox was ruled by a kind and gentle king
Who gave his subjects everything
But he had one quirk, one tiny thing
Which made a paradox.

He would send gifts to his subjects - precious gold and diamond rings,
Porcelain vases, painting masterpieces, pottery and things
But each precious gift he wrapped up, tied it with a piece of string
And used a flimsy box.

The recipients were proud that he had sent them such a token
(Though, normally, when they unwrapped it, they would find it broken),
But they considered him eccentric - not an unkind word was spoken.
Such was life in the kingdom of Lox.

Late last week my father left me - calmly up and passed away,
A spirit so unbending lost to sickness and decay.
The ticking of a heart with strength to take one's breath away
Stopped .... like a rusted, battered clock.

And me, I spend time contemplating life and death and things
And who will win the pennant - will the grass return in spring?
How beautiful the moon looks when I hear Frank Sinatra sing -
And about the small kingdom of Lox.

Now, when nighttime falls and crickets sing
I wonder and ponder on why MY king
Placed such a very precious thing
In such a fragile box.

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

1 posted 1999-12-22 12:14 PM


Well, now I'm crying again. I have no words right now other than I think this is my favorite. *sigh*


And goodnight.

 Denise



Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

2 posted 1999-12-22 12:16 PM


Truly profound, Michael.

I love it.

Kind of like - can I print it love it?

K

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
3 posted 1999-12-22 12:25 PM


A wonderful tale you've weaved Sir Balladeer.  So much to read between the lines, here. Great work.


Michael

Munda
Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands
4 posted 1999-12-22 12:37 PM


Beautiful Balladeer. The special memories we have when Christmas arrives huh ?
Merry Christmas.

Munda

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
5 posted 1999-12-22 05:17 AM


A beautiful tribute to your father. Thanks for reposting it.
This is a very precious poem
Liz

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
6 posted 1999-12-22 07:06 AM


I know I could never had done this well, as if anyone I know could, but I could have "thought" this exact thing....this brings back memories....very nice Balladeer..
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 1999-12-22 08:04 AM


I loved this when I first read it... and love it even more now that I consider the poet a friend. *S* Thanks for reposting it, 'Deer one...
RSEvans
Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147
Tulsa, OK, USA
8 posted 1999-12-22 08:56 AM


This is a very loving tribute and brings to face memories of my own precious package that has gone on.  Thank You, Bal.  Merry Christmas.
WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
9 posted 1999-12-22 09:22 AM


Precious things in fragile packages we are. Balladeer this was wonderful! What a wonderful way to pay him tribute and rememberance, by meaningful written words. A memory that will last a life time. Hope you have a cheerful Christmas
Iloveit
Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121
NM
10 posted 1999-12-22 09:47 AM


this is beautiful...really beautiful....sigh....I can't believe you don't like what *you* write when everything you write gets such high applause from us here.....again.....this is beautiful.....hugs
Local Rebel
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia
11 posted 1999-12-22 09:55 AM


A wonderful analogy -- very artfully applied

 How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it. -Marcus Aurelius

Fairy Colours
Member
since 1999-12-02
Posts 169
Sunrise,Fl,US
12 posted 1999-12-22 11:19 AM


Sir, this is absolutely Beautiful.

 --A Little Fairy--

Pepper
Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079
Southern Florida
13 posted 1999-12-22 12:01 PM


Yes, so beautiful 'Deer.....Glad you brought this back.....!!

 A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire!
Shannon



LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
14 posted 1999-12-22 03:21 PM


'Deer - now there you go again, making all these people swoon over your depth and sensitivity.  To make matters worse, you post a picture of yourself that was taken, what?, 10 or 15 years ago?  Man!  You gotta give the rest of us some room...  lol - great poem, 'Deer.
starboards
Member
since 1999-10-14
Posts 467
longwood, florida
15 posted 1999-12-22 03:37 PM


Balladeer...i liked this one...i found myself crying as well...touching, very touching!

Starboards


 
"I wont look back, I wont regret, though it hurts like hell someday I will forget"

Sally S.
Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847
Ohio
16 posted 1999-12-22 03:38 PM


This is so touching, Mike.  I'm glad you reposted it because I neglected to reply the first time...you see, there are times when you leave me at a loss for words. Profound.
Marta
Junior Member
since 1999-12-20
Posts 18

17 posted 1999-12-22 05:24 PM


I particularly loved the ending, very moving. Thank you for posting.
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