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Open Poetry #18
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Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2002-01-09 12:11 PM




In that forgotten part of town
Where wasted hopes and dreams abound,
A wrinkled man with life near end,
In hopes to have at least one friend,
Fashioned bits of wood and things
And made a dummy run by strings.

He sat alone for hours on end,
Conversing with his only friend
And found delight within the fact
That he controlled it's every act.
He told it how he never had
A chance, since all his luck was bad
Although he'd tried so to succeed -
The dummy nodded and agreed.

And how his journeys in romance
Had never given him a chance,
And wasn't it a crying shame
That he was always held to blame
When everyone knew, oh so well,
That life is but a living Hell,
Controlled by lust and power and greed?
The dummy nodded and agreed.

With patience that would rival saints,
That dummy sat through all complaints
And, with each little expert tug,
He'd droop his head or bow or shrug
And give some comfort to the man
Who held his lifelines in his hand
And helped to fill a lonely need
When he just nodded and agreed.

Senility increased with time
As did the old man's phantomime,
And feverish fingers pulled with glee
The dummy's dance of misery.
They never left each other's side
Until the day both stopped and died.
We found them lying, hand in hand,
The dummy - and his wooden friend.

© Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Larry C
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United States
1 posted 2002-01-09 12:15 PM


Balladeer,
Some interesting lessons here. Like this and thanks for the repost.

Marsha
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Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
2 posted 2002-01-09 12:38 PM


'Deer dear heart I've always absolutely LOVED this one of yours, one of my utter utter favourites. Admittedly you would be hard pressed to find one of yours that I didn't utterly adore but there you go. YOU just happen to be an absolute Master of writing in a place where all are good and YOU are supreme. The question is does this lead to jealousy and anger? And the answer is NO. The reason no one begrudges you the crown is that you wear it with such humility, you are kind helpful and always there ready to give cheer and aid. I for one, and I know I speak for many, am awed by your skill and blessed by being able to read your writing as often as I like. And I get to also call you friend

Fabulous writing dear 'Deer utterly utterly wonderful.

  

Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy



To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace St John ch2 v1


serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

3 posted 2002-01-09 12:45 PM


You weave wondrous tales...I still read you in frank appreciation. It's a true artist to make it read easy...easy to read, tougher to write. Thank you 'deer!
doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
4 posted 2002-01-09 01:34 AM


there's no emoticon in the list of smilies to choose which works......

bummer

i love you baby.... this one, a classic in style, story, and message...

...... you are the Ballad, dear........

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
5 posted 2002-01-09 05:27 AM



Balladeer-
   I am sooooo glad you reposted this one.
   I've come across this masterpiece in my
   archiving and in surfing the web, and it's
   definitely one of my favorites of yours.
   Nobody writes 'em like you do, my friend.
   Hugs,
   ~Vicky


"...until you have read the verse on his heart,
you have not truly met the poet.
~vlraynes

Kit McCallum
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Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
6 posted 2002-01-09 06:08 AM


Michael, I think this poem was one of the first of yours that I read ... my first introduction to you as a writer. I love this piece for it's wonderful cadence and rhyme, and equally so, for it's wisdom and perspective on life. I am so often in awe at the unique subject matter and creativity you draw from, and this is a perfect example of why I admire your writing so. This ... is a classic to me, in every sense of the word, both timeless ... and memorable. A wonderful piece indeed.

Best wishes,
/Kit

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2002-01-09 06:50 AM



I need to purchase your book of poetry, but since it's not out yet, having you repost pieces by request is the next best thing...

Mistletoe Angel
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Portland, Oregon
8 posted 2002-01-09 08:51 AM




CLAPPING WILDLY!!! BRAVO!!! Oh my gosh, this had me crying in tears, this is sooooooo compassionate and striking! (sigh) A bondage, sharing tears and establishing a friend to oneself having been marionettes of fates struggles! (big hugggsssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, you are so truly talented, we all love you so much! This must be published! You have such a beautful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

angelbear
Member
since 2001-05-22
Posts 139
North East, USA
9 posted 2002-01-09 09:28 AM


This is such great poetry..it is the best I have seen in years...you are going into my library so that I may learn from you!!!

Wonderful work...Christine

I can't control
my destiny
I trust my soul,
my only goal
is just to "be"
-Lyrics from RENT

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
10 posted 2002-01-09 09:36 AM


Deer,
you're no dummy and that's the truth
you found better ways to misspend youth.

Keth

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Poet deVine
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
11 posted 2002-01-09 09:37 AM


Perhaps you should be a guest teacher in the Poetry Workshop, sir. We could all use a dose of 'how to' for writing so well. This, too, is one of my favorites of yours. And ARE you putting a book together? I would surely like to buy it.
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
12 posted 2002-01-09 09:40 AM


Michael, this is going into my library as it is a marvelous work of art.  Not only that but...my now deceased father was a professional magician/ventriloquist and having a 'dummy brother, Joey' in the family for many many years...and knowing how close one can become to a 'puppet'...this is a keeper!!
*true story Michael, just ask me!*
~Hugs, Nancy~

~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
13 posted 2002-01-09 09:41 AM


...just me...forgot to click the library button....pardon my little wooden head!
~Nancy

~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~

Interloper
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
14 posted 2002-01-09 09:44 AM


Noding and agreeing, here

Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

Nightshade
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since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
15 posted 2002-01-09 12:02 PM


Balladeer, My sister, Enchantress speaks the truth. Our dear Dad was a master of ventriloquism, and Joey was the "little brother" we never had. I often wondered what he saw through those bright, blue eyes of glass and if he ever wished he didn't have to continually smile. Thankyou for bringing back memories with this wonderful piece. Your work continues to amaze me. Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
16 posted 2002-01-09 12:17 PM


Just so very full of soul, Michael...
This one is unbeatable!

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Dee
Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330
Queensland, Australia
17 posted 2002-01-09 04:59 PM


'Deer, everything I think of to say seems so trite. Beautiful? Insightful? What to say? I loved it!
Dee

I wish you every happiness and may you always have the best of the good things in life.     a brand

Charisma
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since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906
lost in blue pages
18 posted 2002-01-09 05:31 PM


Glad you repost this one, so I was able to read it. As always a master piece my dear Deer.

Charisma

Cperazzi
Junior Member
since 1999-12-13
Posts 34
Texas
19 posted 2002-01-09 06:24 PM


Every time I have settled on what I think is your best one yet, you post something else.  Wonderful work, as always, Mr. Balladeer.
strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

20 posted 2002-01-09 06:27 PM


Oh balladeer, I am so glad you posted this again. I would have hated to miss out on it. this was a wonderful story and so well written, it flowed, floria
Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
21 posted 2002-01-09 09:35 PM


Larry C...interesting indeed. Thanks for reading.

Mushy....as always, your replies are better than my poetry! Thank you!

Serenity...and thank you, dear lady, for the recognition...

Doreen...We'll have to invent one! Thanks for your wonderful words...

Vicky...thank you, my Phoenix phan!!...and thanks for looking for me in the archives!!

Kit...who knows where ideas come from? You've come up with some interesting topics yourself! We think alike in many ways...

Sunshine...from your mouth to God's ear! Maybe one day....

Noah...you captured the essence of the poem exactly. Thank you, my friend.

angelbear...I am very happy to be in your library! Thank you for your kindness...

Keth...LOL! I could write a book on misspending youth....couldn't we all??

Poet DeVine...putting one together? Yes. Having the funds to make it a reality? There's the rub. If it happens, I'll be sure to let you know.....thank you!

Enchantress...yes, I can see where this would hit close to home. I'm very glad you liked it...

Interloper...thank you for the node

Nightshade..thank you! What WOULD Joey be thinking behind those eyes? What an exciting question....!!

Madame Chipmunk..as is your response! Thank you VERY much!

Dee...there's nothing trite about "I loved it". That says it all for me...thank you!

Charisma...and I'm glad you read it. Your opinion always counts big with me!

Cperazzi..what a kind thing to say! I shall try to continue bettering my poetry, thanks to readers like you.

Floria...I'm very glad you enjoyed this relic from the past...thank you!

Startime
Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
22 posted 2002-01-09 10:16 PM


BRAVO!!! You weave a spell of messages and lessons in this poem, sweet Balladeer. I love it. **big hugs**

Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams.

RosePetal
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Member Elite
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985
South Florida
23 posted 2002-01-09 11:57 PM


Hey neighbor..I am glad you reposted this, I didnt get to see it the first time around. Your tales are always so creative and touching.
catalinamoon
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
24 posted 2002-01-10 11:13 AM


This story is wonderful, well written, with lots of truth and sadness within.
Thanks for the repost.
Sandra

Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

25 posted 2002-01-10 11:30 AM


We find what we need in the most random of ways.  Your stories are timeless.  Your talent always impressive.  
suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
26 posted 2002-01-10 12:10 PM


Where were you when I needed help wrapping packages? *G* For you wrap wisdom in such beauty... your rhyme and rhythm are so flawless you'd just HAVE to be good with ribbons... right? LOL

This is wonderful, Deer... I'm just even more in awe of your talent now that I was on first reading. *S*

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
27 posted 2002-01-10 12:14 PM


Great story, Micheal.  You have a real gift for identifying what a person already knows, and then telling him in a perfect poem.
Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

28 posted 2002-01-10 12:40 PM


Yes, this is one of my favorites and it is sad.  This IS a classic ballad.

Kathleen--(Kay)
A true friend does not love you for who you are, but in spite of who you are." -- Caroline Tran

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
29 posted 2002-01-10 10:47 PM


I truely enjoyed reading this, Balladeer. Thank you for reposting it.
N orth Carolina Girl
Senior Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 962
NC,USA
30 posted 2002-01-16 09:53 AM


Balladeer.oh this was so sad and beautiful and the same time.This was written with so much heart for the old man.Wonderful poem!





Juanita

"always have a smile on your face it makes people wonder what you`re up to:

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