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Open Poetry #10
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Balladeer
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2000-10-14 08:28 PM



I hear his voice

WILL YOU TRADE FOR
WHAT IS BEHIND DOOR #3?

and Monty Hall is pointing
at the small package in my hand
and smiling
at the emerald door
almost transparent
I can see outlines
people
hear laughter...happy voices
yet confusion
helter skelter
silver rings and bracelets
beckoning....entreating me
a face with sad eyes
watching me
and I want to trade
I WANT TO TRADE!!!!
but I'm afraid
and the package
rests lightly in my hands
depending on me
counting on me
BUT I WANT TO TRADE!!!!
i scream silently
to the ghost form
dancing and spinning away
waving to me
disappearing into a white
billowy cloud
high above the earth.
COME BACK! i scream
I LOVE YOU!!!
but the audience is waiting
for an answer.

WILL YOU TRADE FOR DOOR #3?

and i scream out "I need more time!!!"
but i only have three notes
to name that tune
and the melody isn't coming
and Thor is inside my head
hammer pounding unmercifully
at my temples
his father laughing at me
and the planetarium
down the street
is calling the police
because one of the planets is missing
and Ralph Edwards is saying
"Michael, THIS is your LIFE!!!"
but i'm crying because
the pages are all blank
and the audience is laughing
and Regis is yelling at me
IS THAT YOUR FINAL  ANSWER???
Oh, God!!!! if you're out there
help me
but You're not
heaven doesn't open doors
to sinners like me
and the only friend i can phone
is out of town and
i don't have her number.

WILL YOU TRADE FOR DOOR #3???

and door #3 is becoming
more solid
i cannot see through
and i'm screaming
WAIT! WAIT!
you're always in such a rush, girl!!!
but there's a deadbolt there and
I hear motors revving up
i'm screaming, pleading, begging!!!!
but the package is in my hands
and if i drop it
to open the door....it will shatter
and i'm lost in the sound of silence
from behind the door
and it's lost
i'm lost
begging forgiveness
for what i am not
as pink walls close in on me
and i fall
counting crows in my head
still clutching the package
i cannot let fall.

Forgive me, door #3
Forgive me,  my friend.
i am SO sorry.......

© Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
1 posted 2000-10-14 09:04 PM


Balladeer, are you all right?
Have you been drinking tonight?

Seriously, for every door that
closes another one will open.
Behind that door will be someone
for a poet such as you.

P.S. Stop watching game shows

doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
2 posted 2000-10-14 09:18 PM


this is awesome poetry... good god...you write free verse just as powerfully as you write rhyming ballads... this is no game show... nope... this is just damn good poetry, Michael .... excellent verse and the metaphors, the set, the scene... the imagery and references... are superior writing

but I would expect no less from you, y'know  

thanks for posting this... it's

an awesome piece of poetry!

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
3 posted 2000-10-14 09:22 PM


Wow ... talk about building up anticipation and anxiety! This was a wonderful read, you had me hooked from start to finish.  I feel like I've been living this Game Show nightmare myself Michael ... Lord, it's a tough game for sure ... take care.  

Best wishes,
/Kit

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
4 posted 2000-10-14 09:47 PM


Well, Deer... To Tell the Truth, You Asked For It...

Will the REAL Deer please stand up??... Awesome work, my deer friend..

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

5 posted 2000-10-14 09:54 PM


its ok baby... ya know why??
cause I made sure on every one of the game shows ... the consolation prize was a life time supply of Spam  
you cant lose .*smile*
and may I ditto Doreens reply ...
rhyme or not...you rule ...
later-game-show-gator
jm

Jhonbus
Junior Member
since 2000-10-12
Posts 25
Sheffield UK
6 posted 2000-10-14 10:06 PM


wow! I was reading that like a roller-coaster! Once I started, it didn't let up until the very end, but with a short pause maybe for:

"Michael, THIS is your LIFE!!!"
but i'm crying because
the pages are all blank
and the audience is laughing

Where I gasped a breath before reading to the end!
Poetry like a fairground ride? Masterful!

Sunnyone
Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England
7 posted 2000-10-14 10:36 PM


I would like to know what was behind Door #1 and 2?!!!!!
Seriously, this was great, full of humor, and a few serious thoughts, too!!!
        Great writing, 'deer' friend!!!
< !signature-->

Follow your dream!


WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
8 posted 2000-10-14 11:29 PM


Damn you lost my number again?

Free verse, and it's done so well! Deer this is excellent! The frantic working of the mind is vividly portrayed here. It's wrenching. This is out of your ordinary, but you're OH so good at it!

heheh sounds like a high fever nightmare though. LOL

<*\\\><

I know not what the future holds,
but I know Who holds the future.

juliet_2u
Senior Member
since 2000-07-23
Posts 1125
North Carolina
9 posted 2000-10-14 11:39 PM


Wow Deer, I'm totally exhausted now...lol. Man that was intense. You took me right in there with ya and I was wanting you to take the damn door. I was behind ya cheering. Did you hear me????...Seriously great stuff Deer.
Hugs from a now very mentally drained friend,
Juls

Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
10 posted 2000-10-15 12:11 PM


Awesome!
< !signature-->

~You have to have a dream so you can get up in the morning.

                ~ Billy Wilder


[This message has been edited by Wilfred Yeats (edited 10-15-2000).]

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

11 posted 2000-10-15 12:47 PM



Good to see you back here, you know if you have the right "Password" the door will come open...easily.  Loved this, what a nice change.


Kathleen



Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
12 posted 2000-10-15 06:19 AM


'Deer

WOW


A ROLLER COASTER RIDE


WOW


Keth  


Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.
Gail Sheehy

Aimster
Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC
13 posted 2000-10-15 09:56 AM


Michael~
and one again you surprise me NOT...i've come to expect no less than awesome poetry from you. this is wonderful writing m'friend. i found myself reading each line faster than the one before...in anticpation as to what would happen. interesting spin at the end. loved it!
take care.
amy  

"The head learns knew things, but the heart forever more practices old experiences"


Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

14 posted 2000-10-15 12:37 PM


Awesome writing, indeed! Very well done!

Denise

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
15 posted 2000-10-15 03:18 PM


I never in a million years believed that rhyme would slip so easily out of your hands. But in doing so you have proved how how great your talents are (as if we didn't know).
This is superb writing, and quite a surprizing treat from the master of meter.
Oh, how I wish I could write free verse!
This poem had me totally captivated throughout, and the images are outstanding!
Now I bow to you, my friend for such a fantastic verse. Heights that I can never reach
Applauding
Liz

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
16 posted 2000-10-15 08:10 PM


inot2B...LOL! Thanks for your concern. No, no drinking...maybe too many onions before bed   Stop watching game shows? That would put my sanity in Jeopardy!!!!  

Doreen...from a writer that I can not get enough of, this is very special to me. I thank you...

Kit...TO TELL THE TRUTH, life is not always a WHEEL OF FORTUNE, is it?? Thanks, Kit  

Nan....the real deer? Been extinct for years, I'm afraid...

Janet Marie...I've watched every game show looking for Spam as a prize and no deal...they got no class at all!  

Jhonbus...welcome to Passions and thank you for the very kind words. I was hoping for that effect...

Sunny1...we'll never know, I guess   So many doors, so few keys...thank you  

Dovey...I'm good at frantic and wrenching? LOL! You may be right at that! Glad you approve  

juliet_2U...comments like yours make it all worthwhile. (if you were back there, why didn't you give me a little shove?   )

Wilfred...that's a big word and it means a lot to me...I thank you, sir.

Rose...passwords have always been a problem with me..and so have locks. Maybe I'll stick with windows...

Kethry...LOL! Thank you! Yes, it was..thinking it and writing it. I'm thrilled that you are here to enjoy it  

Amy...thank you VERY much, nice person. It's a bit out of my realm and I'm glad it pulled you....

Denise...you KNOW how I value any comment of yours. Thanks, friend  

Liz...your comments warm my heart. Yes, rhyme and meter are my first love but when I see how powerful good free verse writers like Local Rebel, Martie, xangel and Doreen can make a poem virtually come alive with feeling in their styles, it makes me want to try it occasionally. I'm glad you approve. As far a heights you cannot attain...who you trying to kid???   You can do anything you set your mind to!!!! You're awesome!

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
17 posted 2000-10-16 11:36 AM


Superb!!! (Even if it did require a lot of Concentration for this blonde. *G*)
Corazon
Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209

18 posted 2000-10-16 12:51 PM


no concentration required here (course I am not blonde *g* *ducking sutherns bat*)
no really, this read like it poured from *my* heart ...really great poem....*sighs and hugs*

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
19 posted 2000-10-16 02:25 PM


Balladeer~

WOW !
Your talented muse's job is NOT in Jeopardy !

An awesome piece !
So very well done, my friend.
I like you, you free-versing person !
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

PeterPeter
Junior Member
since 2000-04-11
Posts 30
British, London
20 posted 2000-10-16 02:35 PM


Well I was not sure what the ending would bring, quite an Intriguing read.

You know what they say my friend?
As one door shuts another slams in your face.
Guess door #3 had a bad day.

Write on, I like your style.

Best Regards
Peter

Gemini
Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203
Wisconsin, USA
21 posted 2000-10-16 02:36 PM


Outstanding and phenominal also come to mind.  Very beautiful piece.
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
22 posted 2000-10-16 03:04 PM


I feel you will for ever continue to amaze me with your passionately penned side...I hear the anguish...and can feel the heart break...

and I still want to say, "job well done, Micheal, and your Father is proud..." and you will know exactly what this means...

Effigy
Member
since 2000-04-11
Posts 486
disbelief
23 posted 2000-10-16 03:16 PM


I can't even discribe
to feeling this read
just put into me.  My
heart pulses with speeding
antisipated blood.
This was best great.
One of the best that I
have read in a long while.

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
24 posted 2000-10-16 03:20 PM


This sounds like a dream that requires analysis, my fruend, sitzen heir upon ze couch, ja?

Yes, like the others have commented, a real roller coaster ride of anxiety and indecision!

Well done!

Corinne

Local Rebel
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia
25 posted 2000-10-16 03:31 PM


now I came in here fully expecting to get a chuckle and instead you've left this fully developed polaroid of a moral dillema... and so nicely framed too...!  nice thinkpeice man
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
26 posted 2000-10-16 04:20 PM


suthern girl...forget it. I know you well enough to know there's a brain and a large heart behind that blonde hair  

Corazon...from a lady who writes incredible free verse, I thank you very much.....

Marge...thank you, my friend. I'll get back to my rhyming ways soon....honest seminole!!!

peter peter..I THOUGHT that was what they said! LOL! Yes, a bad day for Door #3 and a worse one for me, I'm afraid....

Gemini...that's very kind of you and I thank you  

sunshine...I DO know what you mean and you are a wonderful lady. Thank you, Karilea  

Effigy...you have no idea how a comment like yours makes me feel. I thank you VERY much.

Corrine...I've heard about your couch!   Yep, master of indecision, that's me  

Rebel....yep, immoral dillemas are much more fun. Thanks for flying by....


Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
27 posted 2000-10-18 03:20 PM


If what you held in your hands was as fragile as you depict...wasnt it worth hanging on to?
Local Rebel
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia
28 posted 2000-10-18 05:37 PM


I'm glad I got to fly back by with a little longer layover this time...

sometimes those adorable doors swing wide pointing-- painting with a thousand words the sonnets of our souls-- and we know even long down weathered halls lined with exits to destinations that bear no peace -- we do a better thing for the door to see it secured....when you care more for the door...

kudos micheal..

your imagery here is entertaining and poignant -- a real statement about the human condition

and the best we can do
for our beloved door

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
29 posted 2000-10-18 06:14 PM


Paula....when fragility is of utmost importance...yes.

LR...your words carry a lot of weight here. I thank you, Mr. Rebel...

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
30 posted 2000-10-18 07:44 PM


AAGGHH...I spelled "Michael" wrong...

forgive me?

Karilea
If I whisper, will you listen?...KRJ



Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
31 posted 2000-10-18 07:51 PM


Oh my....how did I miss this until now..This is wonderful free verse...exceptional..I am so impressed!!!!
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
32 posted 2008-01-29 08:37 AM


I was reading in Critical Analysis this morning where you linked over to this piece, Michael.  

I remember this one ... and admire the tension you were able to build throughout.

In my eyes, you are a master no matter what form you choose to write in! Loved this.

Best wishes and hugs,
/Kit

TomMark
Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133
LA,CA
33 posted 2008-01-29 04:01 PM


indeed you need cases of bottles to write this.
I read it as your ballad, because it sounds better
Love the read. You are gifted again and again and again!

Write more free verse, please! The golf court is the best place to start.

Ball flying
Balladeer smiling
Pond gulped

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
34 posted 2008-01-29 10:11 PM


Pond gulped??? LOL! I love it! I've made a few ponds gulp in my day, Tom

Thank you, Kit.

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