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Open Poetry #11
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Layers.....
| Open Poetry #11 |
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Layers..... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I thought about bananas where one has to peel the skin To taste the beauty of the fruit that is contained therein. I thought about the lobster where one has to crack the shell To get to that delicious taste that we all know so well. I thought about the pearl in oysters...diamonds in the coal All things that need to be undone to reach their real goal It struck my fancy into smiling knowing that we, too Have layers of things that cover us to keep our hearts from view. Reactions to the way life treats us make the layers grow And clothes us with protective coats so people do not know The weaknesses that we possess or our true frailties Or pain and loss that we've been through that took us to our knees. We wear a layer of bluster when we're feeling meek inside A layer of haughty arrogance when we feel loss of pride. We wear a layer of toughness when our feelings are exposed A layer of "I don't give a damn" when all our roads are closed. The layers are quite subtle - sometimes we don't know they're there We feel a great compassion - others think that we don't care. We feel a great sincerity while others think that we Are shallow and unfeeling with no sense of dignity. Face value paints us one way though we're not that way inside It can be unintentional or can be used to hide In either case what people see - if they don't look too far Is what the layers have made of us - not what we really are. But sometimes one gets lucky and someone is found who cares Someone who will take time enough to look through all the layers Someone who can see deep enough for all there is to view Someone who searches hard enough to find the real you. I treasure someone who came by to look into my soul Someone who looked for pearls in oysters - diamonds in the coal Someone who proved beyond a doubt God really answers prayers By sending her with love enough to look through all the layers. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Balladeer? This is SUCH a sweet poem, that I almost hate to tell you this--when I saw the title? "layers?" I thought--"ROOSTERS"--OHMIGOD...LOL...(please don't charge me for this session) Loved the poem and I do understand...giggling into my mountain dew now...(I swear...) |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
One of your best, Balladeer. Truly wonderful. Corinne |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
'Deer how poetically you express the philosophy that life is lika an onion you peel it off layer by layer...sometimes you cry. And how well you expressed the complexity of human nature and the camoflagues used and misunderstod. Religion is for people frightened about going to hell - Spirituality is for people who have been there. Anon. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Dr. alladeer, You are an annalist beyond compare. And a poet of subtle ensnare. Most of the time I cannot guess Weather your end is stress or bless. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer, this is indeed a wonderful piece from you, it's quality and style is unbeatable. One of your extra specially wonderful ones love  Yes absolutely fabulous, true quality, top draw, and anything else, oh yes I love it Excellant workTake care Mushy Take back the hope you gave,- I claim Only a memory of the same Robert Browning |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
What an exquisite look into the very nature that makes us "who" we are. You my friend, are that pearl Michael ... the more I read through your words, the more dimensions and facets of life I see you tap. You are a wonderfully gifted writer, who conveys so much to the reader ... I do believe this is now one of my favorites of yours (though they all are).  Best wishes, /Kit |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
New level for you my friend...extremely well done. Enjoyed much. jwesley |
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maxtec1 Senior Member
since 2000-12-09
Posts 577Garland, Tx |
Bravo!!! What a great poem you wrote here. I loved it. Love and light, Richard |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
*sigh* a very revealing poem. She must be very special to be able to peal your layers and love you all the same. Very well done, Mr Balladeer. We all have many of the same layers. Much love and Christmas hugs to you from me. Love I leave with you my friend whether it be in your life or of yet the essense of your dreams. http://path2riches.com |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer, I forgot to say that I'd love to borrow some of those layers, I'm as open as a book. And just once I'd like to think that someone doesn't know what I was going to say before I've said it. (Still I expect it's a little too late to learn the art of subtlety) Love this one I really do Mushy < !signature-->Take back the hope you gave,- I claim Only a memory of the same Robert Browning [This message has been edited by Marsha (edited 12-22-2000).] |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Balladeer, my dear friend, this is one for the books dear poet. What a wonderful piece of writing and how true these words ring. May we all be so lucky to find someone who's willing to see beneath the surface to find the true person we really are...oh, what a difference it can make in one's life. A merry Christmas to you and yours my dear friend |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Well I must say that not only does it appear that you have scored a treasure of a woman but if she made it through your layers then she most definitely found the gold mine hidden in the mountain. The very nature of the fact that you can see all this and then pen it lets us all know that you are special indeed and very worthy of the happiness you have sought. Wonderful write my friend and may your holidays be spent surrounded with love and the sharing of your love as I know it will. God bless you and Happy Holidays. A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. author unknown |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Some say that metaphor is the soul of poetry. If that is true, these are immortal words. I personally, believe that the muse is the heart of poetry and gives the soul it's very breath. This has heart and soul....it's a fine poem. "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." Winnie the Pooh |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
you be my onion. < !signature-->i've got your skin! lean over here, let the peeling begin! underneath layers, i'm sure i will find something so sweet! (so, was THIS on your mind?)  come to me, baby, i find you a-peeling! orange you glad that i'm on my knees kneeling? give me a signal, show me a sign! i'll peel your layers, if you will peel mine!  a-mused, i'm sure...rofl... hehe...hey, but truthfully... (would you like me to be truthful? LOL).... this poem has layers and layers of meaning just like the author, and it was a pleasure discovering each and every one of them..... great writing, my 'deer sweet friend who i am truly blessed to have.... i treasure your poetry.... and YOU! - if you want it, come and get it... for cryin' outloud! - david gray [This message has been edited by doreen peri (edited 12-22-2000).] |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Beautiful words and message! You're a true artist of verse! Your mind is brilliant, I love every poem you pen and am touched by each one. Each one is thought provoking, sincere and inspiring, I look forward to your next gem Take care, Melissa The beauty of poetry gives my soul wings to fly free within dreams |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Would that I were to be blessed with such sweet calm happiness 'Deer, your love of life...where'er she be must be smiling most happily... and I am so very pleased for you...take her, she's yours... and all of us applaud....and are inspired... Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Reactions to the way life treats us make the layers grow And clothes us with protective coats so people do not know The weaknesses that we possess or our true frailties Or pain and loss that we've been through that took us to our knees. We wear a layer of bluster when we're feeling meek inside A layer of haughty arrogance when we feel loss of pride. We wear a layer of toughness when our feelings are exposed A layer of "I don't give a damn" when all our roads are closed. The layers are quite subtle - sometimes we don't know they're there We feel a great compassion - others think that we don't care. We feel a great sincerity while others think that we Are shallow and unfeeling with no sense of dignity. =================== But sometimes one gets lucky and someone is found who cares Someone who will take time enough to look through all the layers Someone who can see deep enough for all there is to view Someone who searches hard enough to find the real you. I treasure someone who came by to look into my soul Someone who looked for pearls in oysters - diamonds in the coal Someone who proved beyond a doubt God really answers prayers By sending her with love enough to look through all the layers. ================ Michael, this is SOOOOO sincere and so cool and so wisdom filled and just SO YOU that I cant stop smiling after reading it twice... it is SO awesome to see you inspired like this ... and the lessons learned and the truth and wisdom this poem teaches is what makes you the adored poet here that you are. BIG OLE SPAMMY smooches for this one Deer-heart. later-love ya in love-gator jm |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Excellent Balladeer! Those layers are hard to penetrate sometimes but like you write here... It's a real love that takes time and patience to look through them and still care. I don't think many of us tend to see ourselves in a bad light as we keep on moving along the path we have chosen for ourselves.. very provocative writing! I enjoyed the wisdom mixed into this recipe for true love.. take care....ethome |
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kindasorta Member
since 2000-12-02
Posts 56 |
Hi Balladeer, This is wonderful and my pleasure to read. This is a piece of art you've penned. Lovely in every way. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
serenity..a little cock-a-doodle-do on the brain? ROFL!! Glad I didn't write about Friars!! Corinne...Thank you!! Kethry...yes, the onion is a perfect example..thank you for the kind words... Sy...who you calling an annalist? ..and I haven't had a blessed end in a long time! LOL! Thank you, friend Sy...Marsha...I'm really glad you like it, Mushy! Kit...you make me feel like a pearl with your comments. Thank you! jwesley...I appreciate ti very much. Thank you maxtec...thank you, Richard! Startime...and Christmas hugs to you and your layers, too Mushy...don't you dare put on layers. Your openness is a breath of fresh air Hoot...I'm so glad you found yours and it's wonderful to see you. Merry Christmas to you, Ruth!! Mark...thank you, sir!!!I appreciate your kind words VERY much and I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season! Rose...heart and soul covers it all. I'm so glad you liked it! Doreen...the egg nog flowing freely tonight, is it? ROFL!! Glad you find it a-peeling Melissa...thank you! Your words are very kind! I only hope I can keep your interest sunshine ...to inspire you is a reward unto itself....thank you Janet Marie..you are SO good to me with your replies! More spammy kisses?? They're really piling up!! ethome....you are so right!the layers ARE hard to penetrate and sometimes we don't even know they are there....takes special people indeed to see through them. Thank you for reading! kindasorta...I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by..... [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 12-23-2000).] |
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Cperazzi Junior Member
since 1999-12-13
Posts 34Texas |
Came here looking for a peaceful beginning to a hectic day ahead...your work never disappoints! Thank you. Cindi |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ I've read this over many times - every time gives me a different feeling of the layers of exploration in each of us. Your artistry of thought is deeply motivational - and quite revealing of your talents. I was drawn to thinking that if guided tours of the layers of me were offered - would someone who took that tour come away satisfied - or would they want a refund ? Those in my life who've taken the tour convince me that - 'beyond a doubt God really answers prayers' When you roll up your sleeves and set about to get us thinking - you sure do it like no other can. Happiest of holidays to you, my friend. *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
and Marge, I have read it many times also, let's bump it up so those Christmas shoppers who missed it can remove their layers.....it's beautiful. "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." Winnie the Pooh |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Cindi...thank you SO much! May the peace carry you throughout the day... Marge...when does the next tour start??? Can I go? I have no doubt that no one was walked away asking for a refund because you are a beautiful lady with a heart as big as Toerag's mouth. Thank you, Marge, for caring Rose...thanks for the bump...that felt good!!! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Geez 'Deer, if a little bump feels good, here y'ago...[bump] Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
i'll bump your layers any day *g nope, no egg nog... but come on over and we can go get some....hey, i guess i coulda waited 'til it slipped to page 2, huh? LOL... well, sometimes i don't have that much time to wait, y'know? *wink* but, i'll wait a while and bump you again, ok? (you're enjoying all these bumps, aren'tcha? somehow i figured you would be.... ) |
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John R Member
since 2000-12-14
Posts 141Toledo OH |
Truth can always be found in the eyes. You just have to look deep. Beautiful well read verse. If a dream touches us, it exists to us as anything else that touches us. John |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Donning a mask each morning Wearing it carefully Hiding my fears and longings Protecting the real me. Someone looks through the layers - What's this? Can it be? Complete and total acceptance On a beloved face I see. Well... I can wish, can't I? *G* This is great, Deer one! |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Oh, do I have a kiss for you!! This is so perfect for me today......my husband and I were just speaking of this subject a night or two ago.......no other man in my life has ever taken the time or wanted to look past my layers to find me....just my husband.......and believe me, I don't have too many layers hiding my heart......thank you for this poem.......it's wonderful!!  -SEA |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
'Someone who looked for pearls in oysters - diamonds in the coal'. It doesn't get any better than that when you have someone like that in your life! I have a new favorite poem of yours now, Balladeer! Fabulous! Denise |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
It is I who is bowing to the master. Truly a great poem I had already removed the layers through your poetry Liz |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
psst, 'Deer - when do we get down to that layer where your mother made you wear dresses? And what about that layer involving the roaches? hmmm??? I like the poem - I especially like this style of using complete sentences for most lines. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer--this poem is awesome!!!! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Ya know... I think this is among my favorites of your work... Do turtle shells work this way?.. They seem soooooo impenetrable sometimes... Nice work, my Deer... I love this one.. |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
This one reflects your true deep passion. We (men)all have layers to hide, but it is a lot of fun to entertain with a laugh. Melton |
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Lana Member
since 2000-12-26
Posts 68 |
I agree with the last comment. If this is from your own feelings (and how do I know, I just got here!) someone is underneath the layers and your skin. Enjoy |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
OH, thanks for putting this one up there so I could find it and bump it too. You really have to write more often. Lately you have not been.I know you are a busy guy. How is the book coming? latearrival/jo |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
No, I haven't, Jo. Inspiration seems to be on vacation for some reason.. Book is coming along....thanks for asking!  |
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Klassy Lassy Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187Oregon |
We wear our layers for the sacredness of secrets and in fear of expose which reveals a pearl of great price that we swear is far too much to pay. But there is something about onions and how they makes one's senses burn, so even that the toughest soul will be reduced to tears in turn. No weakling can withstand the scald that the hidden heart will bear in tenderness dawning morning bright where resolve of facades disappear. ~~~~~~~ MSM, voices of the heart... stunning poetry!  |
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