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Open Poetry #7
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Tale of the Wandering Man....Kit's Challenge
| Open Poetry #7 |
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Tale of the Wandering Man....Kit's Challenge |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I had written several poems beginning when I was 6 such as Dirty Sheet, the Ghost and Low Noon but I don't have those anymore. This was the first serious poem I ever tried to write. I was a freshman in high school at the time...... Within the eerie shadows of a tiny, crackling fire A small man sat, whose services did no one care to hire. Knowing not a useful trade, caring not of being paid, With crumpled cigarette he laid beside his man-made pyre. As wind and rain would feast upon the man's bedraggled clothes He poured out to the hills and woods his troubles and his woes. "Why have I no friends to greet? Clothes to wear? Food to eat? Why does the frost slide 'neath my feet And nibble at my toes? "Why must I travel aimlessly with no one place to go? Why must I walk in field and stream and sleep in mud and snow? Hear me now, you God above, sing to me that song of love. Let me see that ivory dove And not this blackened crow!" "Be quiet!", a voice boomed from the stillness of the night. "Let me not be a witness to your anger and your fright. I have heard your words of grief, heard you cry out for relief, Now LISTEN to me. I'll be brief And let you see the light." Within the glow of campfire light the stately stranger stood. His clothes were threadbare, chest stuck out, with face made out of wood But, staring there upon that face, one could see a somber trace Of quiet, dignity, poise and grace And knowledge more than good. "Ten thousand years ago today, I then began my life And thus began my agony, my torture and my strife. I drank from a chemist's pot brew so evil, strong and hot That I, through my error, got Eternal, lasting life." "You smile, I see, no matter for the words I say are true. I know, by looks, I seem to be a hobo just like you But I am forced here to remain, free of death and mortal pain With hopes to die but all in vain And nothing can I do." "I have seen the vikings and King Arthur's mighty reign. I have seen the bodies fall on Lexington terrain. I have seen so many thing - knights, crusades and lords and kings, I've seen war and what it brings - Destruction, death and pain." "Why, though", said the hobo, "do you wish to stop and die? Why is there no happiness or gladness in your eye? Why of sadness do you speak? Why no pleasures do you seek? Why your thoughts of life so bleak? Why do you Earth deny?" " I have seen humility replaced by lust and greed. I have seen philosophers learn shame toward their creed. I have seen monstrocities, mingled with atrocities, Taught in universities In the name of human need!" "Earth is slowly dying like the echo of a bell And those who feel the pressure mount can understand me well. Men of stature once had tried to save the world, but were denied Now man will not be satisfied 'Til he blows himself to Hell!!" With those last words, the stranger turned and walked into the night. Upon the railroad tracks he stood, before a blinding light. The train came roaring down the track and, with a loud, resounding WHACK! Hit the stranger in the back Then continued out of sight. The hobo looked and there he saw the stranger standing high. A lost expression on his face and sadness in his eye. The hobo then began to cry..the tears came streaming from his eyes And, to his grief and sad surprise. He didn't know just why. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wow! Amazing! I can't believe you were only a freshman when you wrote this. So, how did it feel to be a child prodigy?  Denise |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
You must have been born with a story on your lips! Kathleen indy31_99@yahoo.com |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I am not surprised that the quality of your work would have begun at such a young age. Compare this to any freshman's today and I think you will see that you are the first, the only...Balladeer.  |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
My friend~ Quite the perspective tale for one so youthful to have written. I applaud you! "Earth is slowly dying like the echo of a bell And those who feel the pressure mount can understand me well. Men of stature once had tried to save the world, but were denied Now man will not be satisfied 'Til he blows himself to Hell!!" And some things never change. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Jana Tovey Member
since 2000-05-30
Posts 257USA |
This is brilliant. I am so impressed. Where did this come from???? |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
YOU DA MAN... and DIS PROVES... YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DA MAN  exceptionl 'deer, very impressive jm |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Wow - 'deer you were an epic writer even then... This is great! Very dramamtic... K |
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Lorelei54 Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 458 |
Excellent story...I love your story telling ability..where do you get your wonderful ideas??? |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
I'll bet you were born with it... this wonderful story telling ability, and keen insight...right? What was your first word (s)? This was wonderful, deer! |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
This was an incredible story Balladeer and so well told, even as your "first serious poem"! You were clearly born to be a "Baladeer" from the start, my dear! Well done! Best wishes, /Kit |
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