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Bethlehem Steel is Bankrupt....
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Bethlehem Steel is Bankrupt.... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I'm not sure why I'm writing this. I don't have what it takes To get across this obscure point I'm trying hard to make But please allow this effort I will put forth, if you may, For Bethlehem Steel's bankrupt. That's the news I read today. I'm a product of the sixties - I was born in '45.. My teen years were a time that made me glad to be alive. Elvis was still the king and then the Beatles came along.. "Happy Days" was more than just a sit-com and a song. Camelot ruled Washington in the form of JFK, A giant of a President, historians would say With John-John, Jackie and Caroline and Ted and Bobby there They were, beyond a doubt, a family beyond compare. There was a young comedian just starting named Vaughn Meader Who had the perfect voice to parody our nation's leader. He made an album of comedy he called "First Family" A brilliant show of satire and good-hearted comedy. The album sold in the millions. It was genius at its best. He poked fun at the Kennedy's in skits of perfect jest. Allow me, please, to mention one so you can clearly see The keen wit of Vaughn Meader as he plied his comedy..... JFK speaking to Jackie in 2002: "Jackie, I certainly enjoyed being President. Bobby enjoyed being President. Teddy enjoyed being President. Then I enjoyed being President again! But I suppose the highlight of it all will be tomorrow, dear. Just think......Caroline's coronation!!!" Back in '62, you see, it seemed that there would be A whole long line of Presidents whose name was Kennedy But let me get back to the point I'm trying hard to make To show the strange and winding road the hand of Fate can take. There was a skit...a small piece I remember 'till this day... A news reporter on an interview with JFK. He asked him if the kids were spoiled with the lives they led. Kennedy just smiled at him and this is what he said........ "We like to keep young Caroline On an even keel. We bought her an erector set.... Bethlehem Steel!" The joke was funny because that company was some big deal! The Golden Gate and Empire State were built with Bethlehem Steel! To think of it as some child's toy was really pretty funny (Although it would be possible with Kennedy clan money!) So here we are - 2001 - and JFK is gone, Jackie, too, and Bobby, shot down by assassin's gun. John-John crashed his plane last year and went to join the rest And Teddy is still breathing but his life has lost all zest. I lived through all that time and saw them pass on, one by one, Each death a piece of my own life that faded and was gone But, somehow, news today made everything so much more real When I read the news this morning of the fall of Bethlehem Steel. Perhaps it's just a symbol of the icons I had known Which seemed once so invincible and yet they now are gone. I'm not sure what I'm saying here...this poem is pretty bad But the fall of Bethlehem Steel today has made me very sad.... |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Not a dumb poem Michael. It's like another tower gone...I DO understand. and hey, I'd ask for an erector set for christmas, but I'm wary of just what I would get! yuk, yuk, yuk!!! |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
i remember so much, too! your voice is so real, so awesome in its truth..... this piece of poetry is classic it will live for years after i am gone and i thank you for this.... it's beautiful writing from a prolific Poet..... |
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wayoutwalt Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870TEXAS (it's all big) |
heheh on sen but mostly nice poem to you Mike |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
I grew up in areas of the steel industry, WVa, B'ham and Pittsburgh, and though I didn't read of the demise of Bethehem Steel, I understand and feel the sadness your poem relates. Though, I don't remember all the events you related, I remember enough to understand the loss, also of the Kennedy's. The world changes. We go on. And some of us are fortunate enough to write brilliantly about it. (That's you.) |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
And another giant bites the dust, turns to rust. I remember vividly all those things you spoke of except the erector set joke. Thanks for an interesting piece of history merging with current events. And I hadn't even heard about the steel giant falling....where was I today? Shopping, and reading good poetry, not the news. PS. There is no better person to write about this than the master storyteller. [This message has been edited by Midnitesun (edited 10-16-2001).] |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
A fantastic write Deer and an enjoyable read. I love it! Maree  |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Apparently anything that can be made cheaper in a third world country....will... Comments were recently made that large American corporations that were laying off workers were unpatriotic...the response...is it patriotic to go bankrupt... within the past forty years many things have changed...it has become a very competitive world...and we have adjustments to make...James |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I love where all of your thoughts came from in this piece Michael. Just the spark of an idea from the news, and you have taken us off on this flowing journey of historical markers in time. You captured the era beautifully, and I can understand why hearing the fall of the steel company would trigger all of these wonderful memories. This was a captivating read Micheal ... I just loved it. Best wishes, /Kit |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
Being from the "Steel City" and having worked in foundries I witnessed first hand the two sides of the American character in which a lesson may be learned in today's shrinking world. Our generousity to the vanquished after WWII enabled both Germany and Japan to rise off the mat of defeat and overtake us in the steel industry, our greed in the form of unions assisted. Maybe this could apply to oil. Like so many others I'll never forget where I was when JFK was shot. Our only Catholic President I was in school at church when the nuns whispered word down the pews. We were less obtrusive in the lives of our leaders then and they're personal quirks were overlooked in light of their greater leadership skills, their genius. Now automatons of lesser character rule by gallup poll. |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
I heard this news first thing this morning because I work for a steel mill in Canada. Unfortunately, this brings the number of North American steel mills in bankruptcy to 22 or 23 now. The Bethlehem bankruptcy has been expected for many months now, so I cannot say I was surprised. These are the very worst of times, and only the most effecient and up to date will survive. I'm fortunate to work for one of those mills. This is a wonderful poem of your memories and I certainly did enjoy reading it. I love that part about the erector set If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Well, Michael, considering your advanced age, the dinosaurs are gone, too, and you didn't write a poem about them when THAT happened! lol |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I felt both chills, and a coming of tears, reading this...a "now" headline can bring back many memories to those who are fortunate enough to advance with age...if we allow ourselves to feel... Well done, Sir...another poem worthy of many, many libraries... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
You're teacher, historian and poet without equal... I wish you could rewrite every news report, Deer One. *S* The news is sad, the reflections are poignant... the poem is superb! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all for your kind rellies and your observations. I guess I just saw the headline which made me think of that album which made me think of the Kennedys which made me think of everything that happened afterwards and how my life was then and so I wrote about it. That's what poets do, right?  As an interesting footnote, Vaughn Meader had one of the shortest careers in history, creating his album in 1962 and JFK being assassinated in '63. Over the years he has been offered substancial sums of money to do JFK impressions and he has refused. He never did another one after the assassination. Yes, dignity is still alive and well. Mr. Meader still lives in northern Pennsylvania. |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
Such feeling here. I think Jackie knew. The end of Camelot was the end of so many things even still to come. So sad to let go of dreams and shining accomplishments. The only thing I can think to ease the sadness is maybe it had to be to make room for someone or something else to shine above our "ruins". I think it will be a forever wait somehow. But who knows tomorrow. It could be you! Your heart is golden in this. Sincerely, Regina |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
My home town WAS Bethlehem steel. This community was founded beside a iron forge and there were several forges in the area that made stoveplates, etc. Pottstown was named for John Potts, an ironmaster who's mansion sits in tact in the center of 3 busy roads. Bethlehem steel provided most of the jods in this town along the Schuylkill River. We helped build the Golden Gate Bridge and the locks of the Panama Canal. WE also had a Firestone plant and seveal other major industries which folded one by one. We were the home of Mrs Smith's frozen pies (founded by Amanda Smith here in Pottstown). Then Kelloggs bought them and they are gone. But when Bethlehem Steel left town, the city died, economically and in spirit. Nothing lasts forever, but your poem touched home for me and brought back many memories of the sixties. THank you Liz |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Everytime a piece of our past dies, a piece of us goes with it. But we always bounce back somehow!  So many wonderful things are gone forever...except your fabulous poetry! That will live on forever!  |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Balladeer - Isn't it strange how a word or two can take us back in memory? Very interesting reading. Thankyou for this. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Decaflame Senior Member
since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635 |
There is a lesson here, that after one posts a response to a fantastic write, it is well worth it to come back and read the following comments later. So much is shared - so much to learn - so little time... |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Balladeer...a magnificent write! How well I remember the Kennedys and their Camelot...you brought back so many memories with this one...very well written and enjoyed. ~hugs, Nancy~ ~I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before.~ |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
It is sad, what hapened to the Kennedy family. Ted is the only living icon and he still bears the burden of Chappaquidik and the felonious actions of his nephews. With the murders of his brothers and the death of nephew John, it is no wonder he is a shell of what he envisioned for himself and his family. You brought back memories, not all good, but your presentation was, as usual, very well done |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
I think i have only seen Teddy once through this whole tragedy in our country...it was yesterday..i dont remember the comedian though ha.. but i remember the other events very well...nicely done deery ~Victoria~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer- You jogged many of my memories. Sad, yes...innocence seems a thing of the past...gone with Father Knows Best. Good thing poetry like this is still alive and well! |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Sir Balladeer: Once again you have more than proven the worth of your name in these halls. I bow to you and your most excellent poem. About me, I'll say I wasn't even born when JFK took office and that I was only a year old when when he was assinated. Thus I have no emotions tied to that era in history. I suppose September 11th is the closest I can come to it... sort of a before and after shot of my life that will become more focused as time moves on. I'll be interested to discover what I connect to this time in my life. Peace to you my friend. |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Balladeer- This touched me very deeply, my friend. Such sadness in these memories, and I feel it right along with you. I was just 9 months old when JFK was assasinated, and have always been intrigued by his life...as well as his death. Now...I'm going to have to pull out the album and listen again. That's right...I actually have it! Thanks for reminding me. Great big hugs to you,  ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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The Lady of Shallot Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818USA |
 May all your words flow down as silk and last as hardened steel Continue on with feeling and imagination real.. They say our words outlive us, gosh, I sure hope that is true May I present this deer award, especially for you! (I had a heck of a time getting that deer to stand still for this pic [This message has been edited by The Lady of Shallot (edited 10-23-2001).] |
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