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Open Poetry #6
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The Red-Hot Lover............#1
| Open Poetry #6 |
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The Red-Hot Lover............#1 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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A thump! A step - echoes down The sidewalk of a lonely street That lies within that part of town Where blind men steal and beggars cheat A huddled figure moves along Clothing worn in disarray. Footsteps play a dismal song - A thump! A step - he makes his way. Grim faces peer behind the panes Of tenements that line the street As echoes rise to make his presence Noticed in the summer heat And one can hear the neighbors say From under disapproving eye That casts a weary look his way, "The red-hot lover"s passing by." A study at his huddled form Or peering at his wrinkled face Would not reveal a hint of warm Compassion glowing nor a trace Of qualities that make hearts run Or bid defenses slowly fade Like chocolate melting in the sun Or waltzes from the hit parade. Yet it holds true in younger days That doubled figure stood erect, Lured the girls in many ways By plying them with false respect, Fooling them with tender words As they surrendered willingly To meet the morn with nothing more Than visions of his memory. Warm lips called out to beg him stay With pleading tones that slowly died Against the heat of summer's day. He just smiled and walked away. Some say that God created age To tell us when to settle down To share the miracles of life And count the blessings that abound But no one told the red-hot lover Whistling down the garden way That youth and flowers never last But slowly pale and fade away. The years have not been kind to him. His energy and zest are spent. His hair and teeth are memories. His belly sags. His spine is bent. A tumored leg has been removed, Replaced by crutch instead of bone And memories of days gone by Remind him that he's all alone. A thump! A step - echoes down The sidewalk of a lonely street That lies within that part of town Where blind men steal and beggars cheat.. Where rosebuds wither in the sun, Where skinny dogs and old men roam. A thump! A step - he makes his way. The red-hot lover's going home. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Not quite sure what the word is that I'm looking for to describe this one. A bit saddening! Though always well done. <*\\\>< 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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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Oh Michael, Wow! This is wonderful, so full of the truth of a life with your wonderful vision. |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Balladeer, this is superb work with all the elements of a classic. You couldn't have painted it more clearly in my mind. Fine writing. Claire |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
A tale well told to be sure...needless to say that your title caught my attention right away..hehe...Maybe this is his punishment for breaking so many hearts??? Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
So thats what happens to red hot lovers. Is he related to Cassanova? Very descriptive writing..you are really blessed with a wonderful gift to write. James |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I know I shouldn't feel sad for him, but I do. He was a cad, but he's still a human being.... a sad tale. And as redundantly said, written wonderfully!  |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wonderful poem, Balladeer. Alone is so sad, even for someone whose lifestyle has made it so. Excellent writing. Denise |
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Tasi Junior Member
since 2000-02-08
Posts 38Canada |
Balladeer what a picture you paint...incredibly vivid. How wonderful to take a look at ones past and reflect on how it affects thier future. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
wow...the imagery in this one has left me speachless...you've gave a good message beyond all those wonderful but sad words. |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Karma never fails and your poem paints a rich portrait of the slow, eventual "gotcha!" Nicely done, Balladeer! I love the characterization, as well! Corinne |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
Balladeer, beautifully written and it's true, what you give out you get back times three. It is kind of sad but deserved too. As always my dear, well written and a joy to read.  Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely. ~Isis~ (Sovereign of the Spirit) |
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