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In the Backroad Sink
| Open Poetry #6 |
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In the Backroad Sink |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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It's true I'm not a teenage lad. I'm into middle age. It's been a while since foolishness has written on my page. My youthful days have given way to rationality And I've become quite "proper" since I've reached maturity. My daughter, on the other hand, is quite a different case. Just barely into teenage years she runs a frantic pace. She buys her clothes from Rags R' Us; her hairdo's make me laugh, The music that she listens to sounds like a birthing calf. She likes a group called Backroad Boys. That's what they're called, I think. Another one that makes her go berzerk is "In the Sink", Not like the great groups of my day that one could understand When four young kids made me smile with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Well, no, I hadn't heard these groups. I'm always on the go. I keep the easy listening music on the radio Or maybe jazz or classical or sometimes just the blues, But pop rock of today is something I would never choose. Well, all that changed last week, however. I had made a pact, A birthday gift to go with her to see her favorite act; A concert that I had no doubt would be just so much noise By some group (I had been corrected) called The BackStreet Boys. The concert hall was jammed....unruly bedlam, I would call it. I kept my eyes on everyone - my hand stayed on my wallet. A freak show like I'd never seen was there before my eyes - Asylums let the inmates out to come and see these guys!! Hair colors on display, I'm sure, would make a rainbow blush With articles of clothing that had never felt soap's touch, More tattoos than the U.S. Navy papered teenage skin And I began to wonder what dimension I was in! So then the music started.....Hey, those boys were pretty good With voices rich in harmony and words I understood! They didn't light a fire in me like those groups from my past But that was many years ago...those feelings never last. I looked down at my daughter, saw her pretty face aglow. Her eyes were shining brightly though the lights were turned down low. I looked out at the screaming crowd, an adolescent sea, And realized the person I was looking at was -- me! I was that boy with messy hair - my fists clenched in the air While Rolling Stones were singing..I could see Mick Jagger there! I saw myself in holey, wrinkled Alice Cooper shirts And bluejeans that were so darned tight I swear my waist still hurts! I saw myself with candle waving, swaying to and fro To Neil Diamond's "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" I felt the heat upon my cheeks that made them feel flush And relived music that had once provided such a rush. For one brief moment, standing there, I was that kid again Reliving wild and crazy times that I had known back then With David Bowie on the stage - perhaps the Dave Clark Five, Providing sounds that made a young kid glad to be alive. I remember way back then I found it hard to understand How Mom and Dad knew nothing of the day's top favorite bands. They didn't know the Troggs, the Animals, or Sam the Sham Or never heard the hit "I'm Henry the Eighth, I am, I am!!" So there I stood, I must admit, now feeling rather dumb. It dawned on me my Mom and Dad were what I had become. I didn't know the songs today or how young people think. I even thought those N'Sync guys were really "In the Sink"! The concert ended, we went home, her face was shining bright. She didn't speak but held on to the magic of the night. Then, as I walked her to her room, she turned and hugged me tight And said, "You're really wonderful. I love you, Dad. Goodnight." The Four Tops, the Five Satins, the Drifters and the Doors, Janice Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Joan Baez and more, Magically came from my past and stood there in full view To watch me kiss her on the cheek and say, "I love you, too." |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer Dad~ In her eyes you'll always glow. Cool Dad's are like that ... don't 'cha know ? This is such a dad's hug ! Wonderful ... wonderful ... wonderful ! ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Wizzard Member
since 2000-02-09
Posts 209 |
 My hat`s off to you Mr.Balladeer. This is one that I`ll have to share with my kids. This was a hard one to read,due to the fact that my eye`s were in tears from laughing so hard at the first part of this. Being a father of teenager`s I can relate to this in so many way`s. Excellent writing Dad  .< !signature-->Today is the first day of the rest of my life. And the begining of a new one. [This message has been edited by Wizzard (edited 02-16-2000).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
That trip down memory lane and the love that binds generations even when understanding is minimal has me sitting here with a silly grin on my face. *S* Another great one, Balladeer!!!! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Oh, Balladeer, this is so touching, it just made me smile, well.. and sort of cry too, you know. What a wonderful poem!! I can picture it all so clearly. Your daughter will love it! (I do hope this is a true story??) |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Another 'one of your best'..at this rate you'll have a book of 'best'....I love this.. such memories..such humor and such feeling.  |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Oh what a feeling dancing on the ceiling I can either say I know For I also have a teeny show (actually two) But your poem is so well done and N'Style So I Sympathize with you for a while I'm clad your listen not to carp That stuff that they call wrap I don't have that certain swing All I know that wrap can cling I thank you for your wonderful poem Know that I'm with you all the way The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
This is so sweet Balladeer |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Sir Balladeer, How did you do it, you've made feel mighty old. The bands were bad enough, but having a young teenage daughter that was icing on the cake, when mine are all grown up (daughter turned 18 in January) :{ Excellent poem even though I've aged about 10 years in 1 night...LOL [This message has been edited by Lost Dreamer (edited 02-16-2000).] |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
LOL @ in the sink! haha...3 kids and I know their music, actually it's not bad at all. Considering some of that stuff out there today. Matter of fact Backstreet Boys are in concert as I write on the tv. Great poem Balladeer. <*\\\>< There's only two ways you can go... One way you can save your riches, And the other will save your soul. Rich Mullins |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Marge...a hug from you is ALWAYS welcome. Wizzard...glad you can relate. Thank you for the kind words. I love your laugh! Suthern...anything I can do to put a grin on your face is a reward in itself Martie...thank you for the thoughts....but no cigar..it's only my imagination at work. DeVine one...a compliment from you is music to my eyes. Thank you. Helmut....LOL@ wrap can cling! Glad you liked. I enjoyed your response. Hoot...Thank you, my friend. Dreamer...you and me both! Imagine how much I aged writing this. I almost used Pat Boone!!! Thank you.Dovey...I agree. I watched the Backstreet Boys on tv the other night for the first time (thus the inspiration for this poem) and I was impressed. They're good. Glad you enjoyed. |
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Bashful Junior Member
since 1999-10-22
Posts 28 |
And you say your not hip...hey daddy'o I think your very kewl.  Loved it Mike. This was great! |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Thanks for the memories! Great poem! Denise |
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January Flowers Member
since 2000-02-01
Posts 209South Carolina |
Tears, Balladeer! Tears and Cheers! What a wonderful story you've displayed so beautifully in verse. Sounds like you know just exactly what to cherrish. Thanks for the warm fuzzies- I think I'll go kiss my kids again! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Man your cooler then cool. Bravo Another one for the book I know you will get around to some day. |
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Gemini Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203Wisconsin, USA |
Balladeer: I was in my late 20's and had taken my neice to see Billy Idol, talk about a cultural shock, having grown up with oldies, my parents polka music and me loving disco, I must admit it was a good reality check. My own are now 8 and 4 and know someday I will be taking them. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Very beautiful piece. |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Balladeer, not only are you the coolest, but one smart dad, too. By taking her to that concert not only did you win her over,but you are staying in tune (pun intended) your daughter's life. Corinne |
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CMGrimm Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685USA |
Excellent piece Baladeer. If only more parents could take the opportunity to stop and at least try to understand their kids. You are the coolest. Thanks Chris. |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
This reminds me of last month when I attended a MegaDeth concert with my son (he paid for the tickets) It wasn't the greatest of music but my mom wasn't real wild about Black Sabbath back in the day either. Thanks for the grins and a special memory with my not-so-little, little boy. Man they sure grow up fast!! Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream. Shawna R. Holder Boise, Idaho |
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One Who Understands Member
since 2000-01-20
Posts 251Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
Yet another perfect piece. You have a wonderful way of caressing my mind |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
You are a master of your art, Balladeer. A very enjoyable piece. Michael |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Okay so what's wrong with Pat Boone??? *g* Loved this, Balladeer! It brought back such memories and mischief ... and just a wee bit of wondering what happened to my youth! Makes me want to go ahead and get those CSN tickets! Thanks...this is superb! |
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Fred Hobbs Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329Tallahassee, Florida, US |
Great job Balladeer, I loved it! Can you imagine bringing your folks to see The Who? fh |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Well my friend....Welcome to parenthood/teenage style! My kid's car is very loud, fast and sporty too, I can hear him comin' from a mile or two. And it ain't the mufflers, nor the horsepower from his 'stang, it's that damned loud stereo, and it drives me more insane! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My thanks to you all for the wonderful responses. No, Fred, my parents were definitely not ready for Pinball Wizard!!  |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Raucous (but not too raucous - might offend your poor mature ears...) laughter here... This is great you Dad person you! Lucky kid methinks... K'Writing sharpens life; life enriches writing' Sylvia Plath |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Wonderful 'Deer !!!! Thanks for the smiles ...... |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Hey, I love the Back Street Boys, but more than that, each verse of this poem took me back to great times. Thanks. Wonderful poem Liz |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Sir Balladeer... You are the Boss! The Count! The Duke! The King! The Big Bopper! Or as they say today... The Bomb! This one really hits me where I live. Aside from my wife, my daughters and music are my loves in life. I'm hip to what was and what is in music. I pretty much like it all. What I think is so great about my daughters right now is if you ask them who their favorite musician is they'll say "Chuck Berry." But then they also like Phil Collins and Elton John (that's their mom's influence). Heck, they even like jazz! I've taken them to several concerts already... hopefully I'll take them to many more in the future. Again... I really dig this piece. Thanks from my heart. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: This Rainbow isn't blushing but instead is thinking, what a lovely dad and what memories...LOL.. HUSG Ouvrir mon coeur et âme |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
This is simply awesome, my Deer... as are you...  I too went to a couple of concerts with my kids, not wanting them unattended in a humungous civic center... and I had to stand on the chair for the duration just to see!!! Now if they all sat down, everyone could see the same as when they all climb up on the furniture, don't ya think??? I have to agree about the concerts though - the music wasn't so bad... Hm.. You surely do express yourself much better than I.... |
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Saxoness
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102Texas |
Sure sure, I've heard of the Backstreet boys and N'Sync, but while reading your poem, I couldn't help but be more enthusiastic about those other fellas you mentioned...David Bowie, the Beatles, Joan, some of my all time favorites! Guess I'm just lucky to appreciate both? Great poem. Now just let me show this to my Dad and maybe he'll pay for a concert ticket or two? I'd absolutely LOVE to see Michael Crawford again... "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me." -Charles Brugnot |
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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
I know... Why am I digging through an archive... Looking for a birthday poem to send to my brother.... oh well..... I enjoyed the read anyway.... gotta tell you my eyes teared up reading this.... I have a son of 12 and luckily, he shares my musical intersts.... started real young with him though.... broadcasting Enya, Amy Grant and the like While he was still in utero... Your Daughter has good taste too... Had to add this to my private library. Sherry Cherish the good memories past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
LOL! Thank you, Sherry! I'm glad you stopped by.... |
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