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Open Poetry #6
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Dr. Ben McGee.................................................#1
| Open Poetry #6 |
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Dr. Ben McGee.................................................#1 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs, Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things But they hold their hat to the U.S. flag and Lady Liberty And, on rainy nights, they sing the praise of Dr. Ben McGee. The doctor was a common man, which made him something rare. No Cadillacs, no eight room house, no high or fancy air; Just a simple man to understand the needs of men was he Yet no hallowed saint was revered more than Dr. Ben McGee. They recall the night in '52 when Grayson's youngest, Jill Came down with pain that tortured her with fever and with chilling Cold that racked her frail body as she moaned in agony And would have died had it not been for Dr. Ben McGee. Within a wink the town had gathered 'round that little house, Peering through the windows along with Grayson and his spouse. They saw young Jill lie pale and still within her agony And, at the bed, they saw the head of Dr. Ben McGee. Upon arrival, he'd made, with a flair they'd never seen A sign he posted on the door that spelled out QUARANTINE. "You folks just wait outside", he'd said, "and put your faith in me" "This is a case", he smiled, "for God and Dr. Ben McGee." The townfolk all looked in as he examined her with care, Their mouths formed little "o"'s because they saw a furious glare Transfix itself upon the features of their Dr. Ben; He gave a yell to waken Hell and clenched his teeth and then ..... He grabbed every potion he had in his case While wiping the forehead of Jill's fevered face And bellowed at Satan to die in last place And, with something like voodoo ... He rattled and shook and got down on his knees While screaming and cursing at that damned disease And the rafters were shaking like leaves in the breeze By the time that he got through. Three days and nights they watched him as he worked at fever pace, Beads of sweat cascading freely down his weary face And, just when they had thought he'd reached the end of Life's short line, He stepped out and, with trembling hand, tore down the wretched sign. "You saved her life", old Grayson told him at the bedroom door, "But we don't have much 'cause we're broke. We always been dirt poor." Ben looked from Grayson to the bed where his young daughter lay And smiled at him and said, "Forget it, Grayson. I've been paid." "I'm going to an empty house - one set of silverware, And here you got a lovely wife and family who cares. Don't ever let a lack of money cause you any grievin' Have me over to eat sometime and we can call it even." They don't have many heroes in the town of Willow Springs And bells don't toll for many, nor do herald angels sing, But three statues stand in Central Park for all the world to see - George Washington and Harry S. and Dr. Ben McGee. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
You know I've read many stories, put to rhyme over the years ... But none come to mind that I can say are any better I tip my hat to you sir Rex}<{{{{o> |
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bobbycat Member
since 2000-02-06
Posts 233USA |
Wow....I aspire to write like that someday....maybe it will actually happen.  That was an excellent story--well told. Bobbycat =^..^= |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer- You must know by now just how much I enjoy a good poem from you. This is a good one ... and the 'twist' is sweet. Sometimes it just serves us well to be reminded of what we have that can be shared with others. You are a man of many words ... all of them touching a chord in someone's heart. Love ya' ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Rex....and I thank you, sir, for your comment. bobbycat..thank you..and there's no reason why you can't. Marge...a chord of yours is a worthy target. Thank you, my friend. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 02-10-2000).] |
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Tasi Junior Member
since 2000-02-08
Posts 38Canada |
The format reminded me of my favorite poem...a story put to rhyme The Highwayman By Alfred Noyes Thankyou Balladeer.. truely inspiring |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Humbled, once again. Great story, well told. Your style is an inspiration. |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
This was a cute story Deer...and your message rang out loud and clear!!!! I think I was the one of the ones standing outside the window of the house peeking in!!!!  Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer, you have got a way about you, I think it's those words and stories, and all with good and well intent, that touch my heart with the magic. |
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wayoutwalt Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870TEXAS (it's all big) |
medicaid thank God for medicaid..not for me for Grandpa yuh know...very of what i love about yuh balladeer great stuff |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
The icon you choose could fit no other. Nor have I seen lyrical poems such as you create from any other. Balladeer, thou art verily the inspired jongleur. Alicat, le Persnikitty Jongleur Aspirante |
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Alias Junior Member
since 2000-02-06
Posts 30 |
What a great Ballad Balladeer! I wish there were more people like Dr. Ben McGee.. he is an inspirational character. Keep up the good work, Alias |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
You're obviously from a neighboring town, Balladeer... for if you were a resident, Willow Springs would have four statues! *S* Well done! |
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angelswing Senior Member
since 2000-02-10
Posts 705United Kingdom |
Nice story, you've put it in to ryme very well, great stuff . I take my halo off to you . |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Great poem, Balladeer. I always love reading your work for the lessons to be learned. This was no exception. Michael |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all, ladies, gents and cats. With support like yours it's hard to stop writing |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Balladeer, you gave me chills and put tears in my eyes. You are incredible. So very talented. Thanks for sharing this, I really needed it today. -SEA |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Words about a heartfelt simple man put together in such excellency I love this story And what a poet to tell it No words can top what has already being said Other than "I read your poem" The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Just a well done and send it back where it belongs. At the top. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Another Balladeer classic!! Well done! You've put a great message in this one, as you do in all your wonderful tales!  (I'm having computer or server problems (?) it's taking me about 5 minutes to load a page so I can't read or reply in a timely manner....just wanted to let everyone know I'll be back as soon as this problem is resolved and to let you all know that I'm sorry I'm missing all your wonderful poetry.)  |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
There you go again, Deer.... a good'n...  |
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