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Open Poetry #5
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A Man Called Toerag
| Open Poetry #5 |
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A Man Called Toerag |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania 
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A Man Called Toerag He reveals himself in gesture Though his hands I cannot see He reveals facial expression Though his face unknown to me I can see into his spirit What he cannot see himself Though his treasure chest be empty It is full of human wealth I can feel the rhythm beating Of inquiet solitude Of a mind that knows no peace Until injustice is unglued I can feel the strong compassion I can see the teardrops fall I can feel the spirit moan He sees the writing on the wall He's a tough and weathered warrior He's accustomed to the streets He's been in and out and up and down With characters he meets He can speak the common language He can plod the common ground While inside there is an emptiness A dream he hasn't found There is laughter in the hallways There is love within the heart There's desire on his fingertips And every living part He rejoices in his playfullness In making others laugh He feels pride in standing up In another one's behalf There's a pain within his spirit There's a wit upon his tongue There's a restlessness about the past And songs he hasn't sung He is better than the best of them And wiser than the most And he fails to even recognize What other men would boast He hears rap within the strains of Bach T. Leary was his muse And he views Picasso canvases In pornographic hues He loves a short and swaying skirt A button popping blouse An inch above a tender knee And beer around the house He's self confronting, Self instructive Self defacing, Self destructive Self abusing, Self defaming Introspective, and self blaming But what I see and what I feel Are love and beauty in his soul A sensitive and tender heart Beyond the simple common goal A deep abiding sheer regard For every soul upon the earth A true and pure respect for All the qualities of greatest worth The hell-bent "bad boy" I have found Will in the end be heaven bound And I would hope some day to see This face that has enraptured me Love ya, Toe Liz [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 02-02-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Liz, you said it so beautifully. I will probably never get to see him, but I can already see his heart and it's huge! He is a very sweet man.  -SEA |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Elizabeth: I can't see to type through the tears... you've written a beautiful poem for a beautiful man... I've tried so often to say what you said in the last two verses... but you did better than I could ever have done. Thank you. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Elizabeth: Beautifully said..  HUSG Memories give you the power to collect roses in the winter... |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Beautiful gesture, Elizabeth |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
So I guess this mean I had the low bid, huh, Elizabeth? When you contacted both of us and told us you would write a nice poem about the highest bidder, I was sure my $2.98 would get it, but I guess Toe turned in his empties for deposit money and beat me out. NUTS!! The poem is astounding. You described him perfectly, right down to his pornographic hues. And what makes it so right is that it's all absolutely true. Toe is all this and more...a man I am proud to call friend. Excellent writing, Elizabeth!!! (now what did I do with those sour grapes I'm having for lunch?) |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wonderful tribute to a great guy, Elizabeth! You have a true gift for seeing inside someone! Well done! ROFL @ Balladeer's sour grapes...hehe  |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Suthrn and Balladeer, I am so relieved that this poem reflects the man, because in reality, I don't really know him except for tidbits of information in his remarks to others poetry. But in piecing these together, these are my impressions. And as you said, Balladeer, there is even more to him, and that part I would also like to know. And you, Miss Suthrn, are the one who knows best, so thank you for the tears. And thank you all for the kinfd responses Liz |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Elizabeth, You did a wonderful job on toe and I'm sure he will be jumping for joy when he reads it. Can't say enough about how well you write. Love Sy |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Liz, this is amazing. I know that Toe will be thrilled to read it, even though he will joke it with irreverence, or maybe not. I find your perception so truly true. |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Liz, what a splendid and well~crafted poetic testimonial. I'm sure he is deserving, and equally sure he'll deny it. {G} Well done! Claire |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Elizabeth, this IS the picture I have had of Toe in my mind for some time...I am so glad you found the words to paint his portrait [hanging surreptitiously in all US Post Offices, as he has so adamantly pointed out himself] - but you have added the tincture of color! Toe, Liz has done you proud. Be the good guy, and accept KUDOS as they come. Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Ummm....uh...er.....uh....Who the hell are you?...I know my mom's dead...I was there?...Nobody knows me this well?...Did Nostradamas have a sister?....What? Have you got a crystal ball?....This is almost embarrassing? It's almost scarey?....It's as though you're telepathic?.....This is so very sweet..and so.....something..I guess I might as well admit it.....I'm damn near speechless....And that doesn't happen very often....Thanks gal....you are something else for sure......And too, the responses make me feel very very good....I'm just kinda speechless?.....Gulp!....I feel as though I've just been caught?...(Doing something mischievious).....LOL....I just can't believe anyone can "peg" me like this from what's been posted by me?.......I just don't know what to say?....thanks guys and gals..yall have been incredible to me....I guess I'm just kinda in "awe?"..... |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Okay....I've finally managed to get into control again...First of all Liz...I have no idea how you could possibly know me like this?....(does your hubby know you know another man this well?).....Secondly, I can honestly say, (especially now)...I guess you guys all know me pretty well now, and though I don't like the "me" I am....I honestly am working on my demons or problems or shortcomings or whatever you can call them...This poem by this very talented sweet person kinda just blew me away.....I do have a problem with excepting my past, contolling my temper when it's not my business, but I also have a problem with the indecencies that are perpertrated towards innocent women and children....I know, that's a good thing....but (and please don't take this as bragging, cuz it's not, it's been a handicap and a nightmare all my life, not a blessing), but I guess I could honestly say that I have had some of the best training, (fighting/self defense or whatever ya wanna call it), that is available anywhere...and I have a very serious problem going much farther than necessary when I do butt in to other's problems. I kinda carry things too far....I know that what I've done in the past was either requested by my country, or in the "fit of anger" when others were being abused or mistreated.....I keep telling myself this over and over and over....but the results are far too extreme....and it will always haunt me I guess?....If you've never taken another's life, or had to cripple someone to stop something...you'll never know what I feel....I guess my father's goal to make me stand up for the innocent, and my mother's goal to make me think of my actions/results and the after effects on family and conscience has pretty much screwed up my little mind?....But, all this aside.....I can honestly say that this poem just completely blew me away...And, who else but someone as talented as Liz couldda done it like this?..... Balladeer...okay, your response was very much appreciated, and I'll send the CD today....LOL.... |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Dear Toe, Well, your respose says it all. See how your remarks reveal the spirit? You are very humble, and I would say too humble. Because you seem to put yourself down, and I don't know why, because you must certainly recognize who you are. I do. I am also a person of the streets, and have seen things that even you perhaps have never seen. I lived in one of the most appalling slums in the world for 2 years, where 75% of the children died before the age of 2, where killing your newborn was a method of birth control, where all your sewage and garbage was dropped into the water below your stilted house, where there was no water, sewage, or electricity. And so I learned a lot about people, and I pegged you from the start, my friend. We're 2 of a kind in many ways. I don't need a crystal ball. Love ya Liz |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Now, you see, the demons have been exposed, and the fact that they bother you shows what kind of spirit you have. Now everyone besides me can understand the man even more. Thank you for opening your soul to us, so that our love can pour right in. Liz (My response above was written before I saw your second one) [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 02-02-2000).] |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Liz....LIz.....Liz.... geez, Lady - The poem is great, but do you know how much harm you have done? How much work has been destroyed by this poem???? Have you even an inkling of an idea of what you have done? An inkling??? 'Deer and I have been working for months to get Toe to where he is today, and you come along and show him that he really IS a nice, decent, respectable man. Now 'Deer and I have to start all over again! Oh, sure, Toerag is a great guy, defender of the innocent, upholder of womankind, admirer of beauty, lover of sheep, father figure of fatherless children, etc, etc, etc. But you didn't have to tell HIM, did you? Incidently, watch out for Belle - she has been known to get very eye-scratchy-outie when she sees other women swooning over this rascally scalawag. Personally, I don't see what you women see; but then, I've seen the carefully doctored picture of him sitting back in his office chair. I could sell copies of it to the general female population, but I'm holding out for the highest bidder. I think Dolly Doe has a few bucks. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Dear Suthrn, Don't you listen to LngJhn, I am not swooning, I am only relating what I see in a person with a very deep sense of compassion, and if I send kisses to him, they are kisses of friendship. Love ya Liz LngJhn, You make me laugh. Well, looks like you and Deer have your work cut out for you. Thanks for you response Liz |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
LongJohn....ya rascal you! I wish for you a huge ship-full of gold........and it still not be enough to pay your doctor bills! LOL |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Elizabeth: I know... and believe me, those tears were of gratitude at seeing someone I admire so much appreciated so beautifully... not the tears of rage that some bimbos bring to these eyes... they could at least go around me instead of over me in their attempts to get to this paragon. *G* You're safe from my ever-handy baseball bat! LOL On the other hand... LJA, you scalawag... ROFL!!! [This message has been edited by suthern (edited 02-02-2000).] |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
this IS wonderful elizabeth, truly beautiful, and yep I will take a ditto on suthern with the tears and the appreciation for a fine man....great job girl!!!!!! |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Well, before I even got to the replies, I thought "Wow!" You really captured his very being! Amazing how much we give of ourselves through writing. He is....something to behold and I've enjoyed the scoundral (how do you spell "scoundral? lol) since he first arrived. He has a deepness that he tends to hide whenever possible...but we all know it's there. You have him pegged. He said so himself. Wonderful job, Liz. |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
Liz, This is a wonderfull poem, for one that deserves high esteam. I haven't been here long, but what I have seen has made me roll of my chair and choke on my crackers. He just seems to come out of left field and stick his charm into any posting, and its the kinda charm that would rust the chrome off a 57 chev. Toe if your ever up Canada way lets have a beer. When you cross the border just ask for me. There are lots of good beer joints I know you'd love, of course I wont be going into them. So if your up our way, send warnings. So cheers to a great poem, and to the man with a very big heart in his Toe, or is that a big Toe in his heart, anyway its big. Parker |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Liz, you have worded it wonderfully! I have many times told him the same thing, but he don't believe me...He is a great person with a big caring heart and that shows through, like the sun on a cloudy day! Couldn't have said it better! Now listen to her Toe! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Thank you all very much. I find the resposes more intreguing than the poem. Liz |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Liz, You read between the lines of your fellow poets and extract the essence of each and every one! But, Liz, one question? Only an inch above the knee?????? Toerag, friend, your responses herein only serve to prove the points of Liz's poem (evil grin). Corinne |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Great tribute |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Corrine, Thanks for your very kind remarks, yep, an inch above the knee. Hoot, thank you |
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