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The Memory of Marie #1
| Open Poetry #5 |
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The Memory of Marie #1 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I hadn't noticed that old drunkard sitting next to me In that dim bar so oddly named 'The Memory of Marie' Until a gnarled and wrinkled hand gently tapped on mine And breath filled up the atmosphere with smells of day-old wine. "You may be wondering", he said, "just how this barroom came To be the dump that it is now with such a haunting name. In younger days the lights shone bright,laughter filled the air And , if you fill my glass with wine, I'll tell you, if you care." Drunks do not appeal to me, but something in his style Made me think that, possibly, his words could be worthwhile And, having nothing else to do but watch my life pass by, I had his glass replenished and I watched him drink it dry. "Let me pose a question, sir. Please answer if you can The avenue that you would choose, a decent, honest man If you were standing in my shoes those many years ago. It will not change a blessed thing but I'd just like to know." "Let's suppose the sweetest woman ever in your life Made a vow that she would be your ever-faithful wife, And let's suppose that Heaven smiled the way it smiled on me The day the angels blessed me with my beautiful Marie." "She made my life a ferris wheel - she filled me with a joy That gave me cause to call it love that nothing could destroy. I built the place we're sitting in for all the world to see The neon sign upon the roof that lit my life - MARIE." And then one day, the bubble burst. One day the mail came. Within it was a letter sent to one specific name. Emblazoned on the envelope, alive with mystery, The letters of the girl I loved..addressed to my Marie.' "I don't know how but I was sure as I was standing there The penmanship was masculine and screamed the word "AFFAIR!" The choices laying in my hand were obvious to me - Open it or leave it and say nothing to Marie." "Affairs are temporary roads a decent woman may Venture on until the time the newness wears away, But, in the end, true love would win and, when the thrill had died, I knew that my belov'd Marie would be back at my side." "But male pride ruled in the end and, with a trembling hand, I read the words of love undying from another man, And, in a fit of fire and rage within my agony, I screamed the words of hatefulness that cost me my Marie." "My question is a simple one", he said with quiet voice. "With that same situation pending, which would be your choice? Faced with that dilemma staring, which would you find better... Contenting yourself with what you have, or opening the letter?" The old man didn't wait for me; instead, without "goodnight" He got down quickly from the stool and hurried out of sight. The last I saw was his bent form held up by shaking knees Scurrying quite quickly from 'The Memory of Marie's. The years passed quickly. I forgot the old man and Marie's Until, one day, the memory came screaming back at me. Almost, as if the gods were laughing with a wild derision, I found myself encountered by that very same decision! I know, by looks, I seem to be a bum perched on a stool, Rambling with thickened tongue words spoken like a fool, But since you've made my wine glass full, I'll pose it now to you. Faced with that decision, stranger, tell me what you'ld do. Content yourself with what you have, or view with opened eyes, Events which could do nothing more than hurt or criticize? I'm not sure what you would do, which choice you would find the better But, as for me, I wish to God I'd never read that letter! |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Oh, what a story! Superbly written, Balladeer. A finely told poem tale. Enjoyed it very much.  Claire |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Balladeer, I have read this three times over. This is a masterfull work. Chills like that of one named Coleridge, honestly. I dare not try to answer the question, I pray I never have to face such a decision. You have touched me with this one, my friend. Michael |
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poetry_kills Senior Member
since 1999-12-04
Posts 549new orleans |
i absolutely love it... superbly written and carefully crafted... reminds me of coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner... sincerely, **jerome the boy whose brain got left out in the rain and nobody bothered to dry it off when they put it back in |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Poetry at its finest. No one else can weave a tale like this, and somehow leave that open ended quetion, and in great poetic form to boot. This was very captivating to say the least. Liz |
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Kevin
since 1999-11-02
Posts 729Torrington, Ct, Usa |
a wonderful distraction balladeer ignorance is bliss |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Hey, dude! If you ever decide to give lessons, sign me up. Terrific poem. I am envious. Visit My Home Page http://www.geocities.com/montcogunslinger/HomePage.html |
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Deb Lynne Member
since 1999-08-19
Posts 180Where blue skies meet blue ocean |
MM..I swear you get better & better! Loved every line. |
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Tarzzan New Member
since 2000-01-14
Posts 7Deepest, Darkest, Africa |
Though I'm not familiar with your poetry, (cough, gag, clear throat, innocent look), this is superb roach.... |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Loved it then, love it now. Nobody does it better than YOU sir... this kind of poetry I mean!  I remember Tom, so long ago, the day the letter came, Once he was a handsome man, now his face was not the same. He screamed at me, called me a whore told me to pack and get out the door. Crushed under his vitriolic tongue, I turned and walked away But I often think of him and regret what I didn't say. He read the words "I love you Marie, and I always will" He read on, right up to the end, "signed, your loving Bill" Not knowing the truth, he assumed he knew the story behind what he read. And until this very day, my friend, the truth remained inside my head. I got the letter, yes, but I never loved another, The letter I received that day, was from my long lost brother. So, trust in the ones you love, judge not upon a whim, If Tom had heeded these words, I'd still be married to him. [This message has been edited by Poet deVine (edited 01-15-2000).] |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'Deer - this story is superb, and is in the vein of the true, one and only, Balladeer. Yanno, perhaps that letter to Marie was a drunk telling the bar how much he loved it - nawwwww. One of things that sets your ballads apart from is that they always flow so smoothly and carry their theme so consistently. This is another story in a long long list of wonderful stories you've posted in here. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Well, my Deer... I, unfortunately, do have the answer to that one. I've been faced with the infidelity of a spouse - confronted it - gotten past it (notice the word forgiven can't be used - betrayal has a shelf of its own in our lives).... I've gone on and continued the commitment that a good marriage mandates - lived the "good-doobie" little housewife/mother routine.... been betrayed again - not confronted it..... and been betrayed again because he got away with it... and again... and again... In reality, a spouse who defies their vows once, will rarely stop there... It's a part of their personality. Leopards don't change their spots... Needless to say, trust is pretty important to me now - Betrayal of trust is plain and simply the ultimate demise of love... ...um... I guess this one got to me, huh Sweets? |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Intriguing story, you foretold With the man drunk and old Could it possibly occur to you? That this could be your angel protecting you I do not know…it’s fiction or it’s true Nevertheless, in the end I do agree with you This thought had crossed my mind sometime ago I carry on, but even so What else is the wise thing here to do? Someone breaks your trust To gain what some call lust But was it not the first who opened this gap? Very nice piece of poetry you’ve wrote and definitely thought provoking The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
I've read again and the responces too PoetdeVine brought something out for you Not only you...I say I've leraned something from her today Thanks Balladeer and PoetdeVine Not everything we see is what it seems to be. Sorry for me rambling on here. The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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whiskey
since 1999-12-28
Posts 1278Australia |
So well written and a great piece I enjoyed the read thanks  |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I'm not given to superlatives But I might need some now To stand a chance of adequately Expressing just how This poem haunts with memories I can only answer thus If faith is gone the "love" you share Has already turned to dust. Beautiful poem, 'Deer one... and I love PDV's response! |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
DeVine - what a terrific slant on 'Deer's story. I loved the way you brought that together. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer, I am in awe of your talent to touch on a question that many of us have asked, with such clear telling and perfect poetry. You are a master! In the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. (ee cummings) |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Excellent! This speaks to me too, as I've opened that letter. It was from a women though! Very well written Balladeer! <*\\\>< Where there is faith, there is love. Where there is love, there is peace. Where there is peace, there is GOD. Where there is GOD, there is no need. Hallmark |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Another masterpiece Sir.... A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! Shannon |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
I stand humbled and in awe of the master. This is a beautifully done piece Mike. One who can betray that kind of trust is not worthy of anyone's favor. Thankyou for giving me the oportunity to read this masterpiece. |
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angel girl Member
since 1999-07-23
Posts 322within a whisper... |
This is great. I have never found a poem of yours that I didn't like. Wonderful work.< !signature--> One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. -William Shakespeare [This message has been edited by angel girl (edited 01-15-2000).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I stand overwhelmed by these wonderful comments. My gracious thanks to you all....even you, Toezzan. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
'Deer, all of your pieces are consistent but nagging thoughts are persistent; have I read this piece before? In Open One, Two, Three or Four? [Regardless, wonderful, as always...] Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Artur Hawkwing Member
since 1999-06-30
Posts 444USA |
Balladeer, You are a talented story poet. Indeed, deVine had an excellent counter to the perspective. Is that the other point of view you intended for people to see when they read this? I compared opening the letter to eating the fruit of knowledge of good and evil in the garden. There is a similarity in it bringing shame towards the end. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Tough question...I'd have handed him the letter, I think, have him read it in front of me and wait for an explanation...if it were a real 'love' letter, I'd have told him to make a choice, right then and there... I Think......hehehehehe...Who ever knows what they'd do unless they were actually in that situation, right? Hope I never am! Of course, as usual, another wonderful tale, Balladeer! Denise And slight is the sting of his trouble Whose winnings are less than his worth; For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.~~~Alice Cary, ~Nobility~ |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Sunshine.....yep, The #1 was that it came from Open #1. Thank you for your words. Yes, Arthur, it was basically to open the possibilities to all sides for the reader to consider, which Poet DeVine did in excellent fashion. Denise....that's true. We don't really know until the situation is in front of us, I think. Thank you....btw, I haven't answered your e-mail because my server has been down fro two days (and still is).  |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I'm sorry to hear that, Balladeer. Hope not for too long!! Denise And slight is the sting of his trouble Whose winnings are less than his worth; For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.~~~Alice Cary, ~Nobility~ |
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Majestic Member
since 2000-01-11
Posts 264houston, tx. |
truly a wonderful poem written by the master....though I can honestly say if my faith were betrayed i would be a single man.. A marriage without trust is no marriage! |
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Shrinking Violet Junior Member
since 1999-12-20
Posts 35 |
At the risk of providing mere icing on the cake instead of meat and potatoes, I want to add my compliments to those already listed. I know you're a fine poet - now I know you're a great storyteller too. Thanks for the pleasure. |
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BlOoD TiEs Junior Member
since 1999-10-02
Posts 30New York City |
I am new still kinda new to passions and really new to poetry all together, but this is the best peice I have read in my seventeen year life. WOW!!!!! Dont bet on fast horses, bet on slow rabits. |
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