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

0 posted 2001-03-31 09:51 PM



They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs,
Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things
But they hold their hat to the U.S. flag and Lady Liberty
And, on rainy nights, they sing the praise of Dr. Ben McGee.

The doctor was a common man, which made him something rare.
No Cadillacs, no eight room house, no high or fancy air;
Just a simple man to understand the needs of men was he
Yet no hallowed saint was revered more than Dr. Ben McGee.

They recall the night in '52 when Grayson's youngest, Jill
Came down with pain that tortured her with fever and with chilling
Cold that racked her frail body as she moaned in agony
And would have died had it not been for Dr. Ben McGee.

Within a wink the town had gathered 'round that little house,
Peering through the windows along with Grayson and his spouse.
They saw young Jill lie pale and still within her agony
And, at the bed, they saw the head of Dr. Ben McGee.

Upon arrival, he'd made, with a flair they'd never seen
A sign he posted on the door that spelled out QUARANTINE.
"You folks just wait outside", he'd said, "and put your faith in me"
"This is a case", he smiled, "for God and Dr. Ben McGee."

The townfolk all looked in as he examined her with care,
Their mouths formed little "o"'s because they saw a furious glare
Transfix itself upon the features of their Dr. Ben;
He gave a yell to waken Hell and clenched his teeth and then .....

He grabbed every potion he had in his case
While wiping the forehead of Jill's fevered face
And bellowed at Satan to die in last place
And, with something like voodoo ...

He rattled and shook and got down on his knees
While screaming and cursing at that damned disease
And the rafters were shaking like leaves in the breeze
By the time that he got through.

Three days and nights they watched him as he worked at fever pace,
Beads of sweat cascading freely down his weary face
And, just when they had thought he'd reached the end of Life's short line,
He stepped out and, with trembling hand, tore down the wretched sign.

"You saved her life", old Grayson told him at the bedroom door,
"But we don't have much 'cause we're broke. We always been dirt poor."
Ben looked from Grayson to the bed where his young daughter lay
And smiled at him and said, "Forget it, Grayson. I've been paid."

"I'm going to an empty house - one set of silverware,
And here you got a lovely wife and family who cares.
Don't ever let a lack of money cause you any grievin'
Have me over to eat sometime and we can call it even."

They don't have many heroes in the town of Willow Springs
And bells don't toll for many, nor do herald angels sing,
But three statues stand in Central Park for all the world to see -
George Washington and Harry S. and Dr. Ben McGee.

© Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
1 posted 2001-03-31 10:13 PM


Balladeer,
Excellent as always. I've never seen one of your I didn't like.

Joyce Johnson
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Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
2 posted 2001-03-31 10:22 PM


This held my interst to the very last word.  Very good.  Joyce
Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

3 posted 2001-03-31 10:24 PM


Excellent as always, you obviously put a lot of work into this one!

Kathleen Blake

"When red-haired girls scamper like roses over the rain-green grass,
and the sun drips honey."
Laurie Lee


jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
4 posted 2001-03-31 10:34 PM


Great tale my friend!  As you can probably tell, I like "tales" in poetic form.  Well done.
Enjoyed very much.

jwesley

Mother_Earth
Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 1370
1/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan
5 posted 2001-03-31 11:56 PM


Oh, Balladeer, to have a doctor like that today would be rare.  And the story you told was wonderful.  I'd like it to have more chapters.  Thank you, sir.   ME
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
6 posted 2001-04-01 12:23 PM


Oh I simply adore your stories, and wonder if Dr. Ben got up to any more mischief you care to share?  Just great, you certainly know how to spin and weave words into a wonderful yarn.  
Sunshine
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2001-04-01 06:52 AM


You fit your name, 'Deer....and like the troubadours of old, you are well-loved for your talents....now sit a spell, wine & dine, and then we shall see you walk off into the misty woods....
Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
8 posted 2001-04-01 10:11 AM


Deer,
you're incredible and in the wrong business, instead of capturing bugs you could be capturing childrens hearts with your winsome tales of wonder.
write on
Kethry

Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life. Patty Hansen.



Marsha
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
9 posted 2001-04-01 10:49 AM


'Deer dear hear, this is utterly wonderful as always you leave me in absolute awe. Truly outstanding, I've placed this here in my library because this is truly fabulous.
And they're al right you know I've never ever seen a poem from you that wasn't utterly fabulous
Yes love I do indeed love it
Now I must fly away again, before they catch me hiding from the afray
love and warm stuff
          Bubbles
          

Take back the hope you gave,- I claim
Only a memory of the same
Robert Browning



serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

10 posted 2001-04-01 10:54 AM


Michael, I know I've read this one before, but I don't think I noticed how you changed the rhyme scheme within--had the interesting effect of making the intense moments of your story more intense--taking notes again, Sir!   This why you are the Balladeer!
doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
11 posted 2001-04-01 11:40 AM


Michael- I remember this one from before and have always liked it a lot. The second to the last stanza just says it all, doesn't it? Some people are very lucky to have their spouse and children .... and even without money, they are rich, indeed. The value of a loving home life cannot be understated.... and you have written an excellent ballad here with a truly generous main character who understood the true value of life.

I admire your writing so much. You are so prolific in your stories and always offer such special wisdom, in perfect form, carrying the reader's interest throughout.

I respect your talents more than I can say here..... Thank you for reposting this. i Love it!    

biggestal
New Member
since 2001-03-29
Posts 5
rafford........scotland
12 posted 2001-04-01 12:16 PM


this worked well for me and i hear in it echoes of Robert Service who was fond of ballads as i recall...........


suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
13 posted 2001-04-01 03:56 PM


I remember this one well, Deer one... and once again, it held my rapt attention from word one... chills went up and down my spine as the rhythm changed and the good doc worked his miracles. *S* And as you so often do, you've woven wonderful words of wisdom seamlessly into your tale... BRAVO!
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