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Open Poetry #6
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The Knowing Eyes
| Open Poetry #6 |
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The Knowing Eyes |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania 
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The Knowing Eyes A weathered face baked by the sun, dark and leathery skin And knowing eyes that hold a thousand secrets deep within Around his eyes deep creases, marking years of strife And others inscribe the smiles as he has laughed along at life A fisherman by trade, a warm and gracious soul You wonder at the experiences his sparkling eyes withhold Of endless days of sorrow, of penances he's paid Battles that he won and lost upon the fiercest waves An uneducated tongue, whose words are incorrect But the words express a wisdom so profound you wouldn't expect Flowing from his soul is an endless well of truth Thoughts my heart so longed for in the innocence of youth Craving for the answers to questions on my mind Of how to start my life and avoid the perils I might find I asked a hundred questions, and with his smiling eyes He proved to me how deep were his reflections and how wise Then in a fisherman's dialect, these thoughts emerged from him "The answers to life's questions come only from within You must experience sorrow, before you feel delight You cannot win a battle that you didn't begin to fight" "To tell you what I know of life would rob your very soul Of learning for itself the unknown truth that it extols Your quest in life will be defined in the songs your heart has sung" So spoke the fisherman in his uncultivated tongue Elizabeth Santos [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 02-08-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
This was breathtaking Liz...You've described him to a tee!!! Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
What wise words from this fisherman and from you. |
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Majestic Member
since 2000-01-11
Posts 264houston, tx. |
what an awesome read this is....brilliant....thanks.. "To live is to love; To truly LOVE is to live!" ~kg~ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
What a wonderful poem about a wonderful man! Excellent, Elizabeth!  |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
Excellent work Elizabeth  Not all intelligence is gained from books and teachers I am not a poet, I am merely one who speaks in emotion |
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Paul Hoekman Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 382Harwinton Ct. U>S>A> |
This is beautiful AS ALWAYS! but I must be out of the loop. Who are you describing? After re-reading is it Martie? and Yes Regis that would be my final answer. [This message has been edited by Paul Hoekman (edited 02-09-2000).] |
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First__Knight Senior Member
since 1999-11-08
Posts 678 |
It would seem knowing you....is knowing him. Maybe that is what is intended. Your words lay in so many layers Liz. Done well. There are two kinds of pedestrians...the quick and the dead. Drive it like you stole it. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Good grief gal! And you swear you're not Balladeer in drag...right?.... |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
Your poetry is so wonderful, your words make it all come to life in such a special way |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Another great one, Elizabeth! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Thank you all for your responses. Sorry if this poem confused you, but it is a true story. It is about a Brazilian fisherman that I met when I was young and heard him talking. So I sat down and asked him some questions and this is what he told me, of course in my own words. I just put it to poetry. People who are poverty stricken and uneducated are often very intelligent and wise, and certainly more experienced in life. Thanks for the kind responses Liz [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 02-09-2000).] |
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Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
Liz, wonderful story, thank you for sharing it with us! Did Jesus laugh? I think He did, 'cause He was once a little kid; and all of us were made with joy both sugar-spice girl and snake-snail boy! |
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Adriahh Junior Member
since 2000-02-09
Posts 18 |
This is my first reply, I'm no poet expert. I don't know much of anything about it, I do prefer poems that rhyme, not always about love and obsession and darkness, thankyou It's refreshing. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I do not know how to type stunned silence. This struck a chord deep in me...you write so beautifully, it almost depresses me. (Just jealous.) |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Thank you echo, Adriahh and serenity, I appreciate your comments very much Liz |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I continue to be captivated by your writing, Elizabeth. |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Unequivocally, without question, and if I am not making myself clear... loved the poem. |
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Tasi Junior Member
since 2000-02-08
Posts 38Canada |
Elizabeth your imagery is increadible.What a lovely read.Thankyou |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Elizabeth, my friend- The knowing eyes of the fisherman did not blink. I swear I could almost hear him through your imagery. You have a mastery of image that is remarkable. What a tale you've taken the time to share with us ... we will all be richer for it. Thank you for this captivating poem. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Gemini Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203Wisconsin, USA |
The lessons to learn from one well traveled, you paint a beautiful poem here. Thank you. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
My poet friends, I am surprised at the responses to this poem, which was written several months ago. It's been difficult for me to write lately, and I feel I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel in posting. I'm honored that you like this poem, but am surprised. Thanks so much for such lovely comments. Liz |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Liz, this blows all away! Most EXCELLENT work! WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! I am amazed at your writing, and the depth, and WOW! <*\\\>< When you can't make up your mind Which way is right for you, Stop and softly ask yourself, What Would Jesus Do? |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
This is wonderful!! How could you ever be surprised that everyone loves it?!? Your words are the pearls that form a necklace of verse more wonderful than any other. Lovely poem!! Love and hugs, Lizzie "Poetry is the true expression of my soul, it is my ultimate means of communication. It is my rainbow of delight." |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
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