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Open Poetry #12
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Martie
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since 1999-09-21
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California

0 posted 2001-01-24 06:57 PM


A Swan Song

He was only ten
and sometimes unsure
teasing seemed to aim its arrow
at him and he fell into thinking
something was wrong with him
with his skinny arms
with his freckles
something

At a park where the ducks were
he was scattering the birds
throwing pieces of bread
into the lake where two swans
were engaged in a love dance
their necks and heads bobbing

His mother explained it
when he was nine and full of questions,
neat is what he thought
into the warm spring day

Two boys with bats
snickering behind their hands
threw rocks
skipped the water
and caught one swan on the side

Anger grew inside him
as he headed towards the two
now collapsed in gales of laughter

They looked up in surprise
at the anger trembling blotched cheeks
the clenched fists
for the words that he hit them with
were power he learned that day
as he left the boys
sitting with their mouths open
  
He took off his jacket
flung it over his shoulder,
and holding it with one finger
he whistled as he walked away
knowing there was something right
something right about him
something


[This message has been edited by Martie (edited 01-24-2001).]

© Copyright 2001 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
1 posted 2001-01-24 07:00 PM


Ah, the birthing of a beautiful trumpeter swan! Indeed, what is more beautiful? [I know, but you told me I couldn't tell anyone that Martie's words surpass most...]
Severn
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since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

2 posted 2001-01-24 07:24 PM


Well Martie...this is a treasure...

it really is...

empowerment comes from the strangest places sometimes...

K

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
3 posted 2001-01-24 08:29 PM


Ah, Martie~
Made a remember for me ...

A baby 'swan' that found his trumpet
and proudly whistles to this day ...
You brought it back to sit upon my heart ...
I'm sharing this one with my Steven ...
he will smile as he shares the memory with me.
Thanks, sis.
~*Marge*~


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


Denise
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since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

4 posted 2001-01-24 08:52 PM


Very touching piece, Martie! Very!

Denise

Martie
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5 posted 2001-01-24 11:45 PM


Karilea--yes, you are so silly.

Kamla--exactly!

Marge--I'm so happy I made a remember..thanks for telling me and sharing it.

Denise--thanks so much for seeing the touch.

Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
6 posted 2001-01-25 02:40 AM


great poem for a 3rd grade poetry class - perhaps the best age for it - damm you're good!
Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
7 posted 2001-01-25 05:15 AM


Stunned into silence with the overpowering beauty in this one......

If you find yourself stranded in a storm
...then reach for my hand and we will play in the puddles together

Martie
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California
8 posted 2001-01-25 12:20 PM


Bill--You may be right...thanks

Mark--Stunned silence is not like you...but I guess it's a good thing.

suthern
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Louisiana
9 posted 2001-01-29 12:19 PM


Mark: Ya mind some company? *G* I must warn you my mouth is hanging open and WOW is about the extent of my vocabulary right now... you described the situation much better. *G*

Martie: I love this... outstanding!!!

CocoBaci
Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043

10 posted 2001-01-29 12:27 PM


Count me in with our friends above, as I enjoyed this very much...
Great read PoetFriend, thankyou...
~coco~

Martie
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
11 posted 2001-01-29 01:28 PM


Suthern--You look cute with your mouth open...but not as cute as Mark..LOL...thanks sweety.

Coco--You are so sweet to reply to this...I appreicate it.

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