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Open Poetry #12
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David2
Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 407


0 posted 2001-01-24 10:04 PM


Little Johnny Oglethorpe

Little Johnny Oglethorpe
Was but a boy of eight,
Comic books and magazines
Were always his escape.

You can’t read these, or look at those,
His mother cried in haste,
They’ll rot your brain and spoil your sleep,
Besides, they’re such a waste.

They’ll be no more of these in here,
His father soon declared,
The only books you’ll get to read
Are classics like Voltaire.

Then you’ll see how right we are
When as you age and grow,
You’ll be amazed at what you’ve read
And what you’ve come to know.

Away they took his comic books
And burned them in a can,
Not one more hour he’d wile away
While reading Superman.

To Johnny these were more than just
Some funnies on a page,
He fought and flew with every one,
Each battle they’d engage.

When they were gone he felt as though
He’d lost most every friend,
He started spending time alone
Attempting to pretend,

That they were there, but still he knew
At last he’d lost this fight,
And often under covers drawn
He’d cry into the night.

See, Johnny lost some of himself
The day he lost his joys,
He lost the childlike happiness
That follows little boys.

Johnny never smiled again
Quite like he did before,
He felt like Puff the dragon did
The day he lost his roar.

His mom and dad had made their point
And Johnny grew up fast,
He put aside those childish things
And left them in the past.


Well, he’s o.k., but you know what?
He doesn’t smile as much,
As others do or laugh so loud
At silliness and such.

If one day you decide to take
The childhood from your child,
Don’t be surprised when they become
More somber, cold and mild.

So little Johnny, he’s o.k.,
He gets along just fine,
But when I think of his young life,
It seems a lot like mine.



© Copyright 2001 David William La Belle - All Rights Reserved
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

1 posted 2001-01-24 10:10 PM


Fabulous poem, David. Great lesson here for overzealous parents. There's nothing more precious about childhood than being allowed to be a child, and it does go by too quickly, doesn't it? This reminded me of something that I wrote for my nephew on his 21st birthday, recalling his childhood. I think I'll repost it!

Denise

Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
2 posted 2001-01-24 10:45 PM


very sad poem ... I just love kids ... and I can't imagine why anyone would want them to outgrow themselves

Mike
Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462

3 posted 2001-01-24 10:45 PM


As good as they get...
enjoyed muchly.

insect
Senior Member
since 2000-04-22
Posts 1014

4 posted 2001-01-24 11:25 PM


This is fantastic, but sad
Great write
We may loose the comics but there are still
superheros/villains that live in all of us.....
        
     up and away!
up,

Just reliving a little!

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
5 posted 2001-01-24 11:57 PM


David--Enjoyed this poem very much...thank you.
Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
6 posted 2001-01-25 01:06 AM


David, I see its not just sonnets that your good at.. bravo on this one.

Parker

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
7 posted 2001-01-25 01:14 AM


David oh David what a sad story you have told...Johnny went to John way to fast...and you? You say its a lot like you? Well I dont have comic books but I have bubbles I will share with you
emmalouise
Junior Member
since 2000-06-04
Posts 26

8 posted 2001-01-25 02:36 PM


David2,

My, my...it would appear that you are both prolific AND multi-dimensional.  

This is really great.  Keep on posting, ok?

best,
emma

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
9 posted 2001-01-27 03:17 PM


This is stupendous, David.. as are your sonnets.. I surely wish you'd post more..
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