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Open Poetry #18
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In the Backroad Sink......reposted for Mushy
| Open Poetry #18 |
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In the Backroad Sink......reposted for Mushy |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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It's true I'm not a teenage lad. I'm into middle age. It's been a while since foolishness has written on my page. My youthful days have given way to rationality And I've become quite "proper" since I've reached maturity. My daughter, on the other hand, is quite a different case. Just barely into teenage years she runs a frantic pace. She buys her clothes from Rags R' Us; her hairdo's make me laugh, The music that she listens to sounds like a birthing calf. She likes a group called Backroad Boys. That's what they're called, I think. Another one that makes her go berzerk is "In the Sink", Not like the great groups of my day that one could understand When four young kids made me smile with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Well, no, I hadn't heard these groups. I'm always on the go. I keep the easy listening music on the radio Or maybe jazz or classical or sometimes just the blues, But pop rock of today is something I would never choose. Well, all that changed last week, however. I had made a pact, A birthday gift to go with her to see her favorite act; A concert that I had no doubt would be just so much noise By some group (I had been corrected) called The BackStreet Boys. The concert hall was jammed....unruly bedlam, I would call it. I kept my eyes on everyone - my hand stayed on my wallet. A freak show like I'd never seen was there before my eyes - Asylums let the inmates out to come and see these guys!! Hair colors on display, I'm sure, would make a rainbow blush With articles of clothing that had never felt soap's touch, More tattoos than the U.S. Navy papered teenage skin And I began to wonder what dimension I was in! So then the music started.....Hey, those boys were pretty good With voices rich in harmony and words I understood! They didn't light a fire in me like those groups from my past But that was many years ago...those feelings never last. I looked down at my daughter, saw her pretty face aglow. Her eyes were shining brightly though the lights were turned down low. I looked out at the screaming crowd, an adolescent sea, And realized the person I was looking at was -- me! I was that boy with messy hair - my fists clenched in the air While Rolling Stones were singing..I could see Mick Jagger there! I saw myself in holey, wrinkled Alice Cooper shirts And bluejeans that were so darned tight I swear my waist still hurts! I saw myself with candle waving, swaying to and fro To Neil Diamond's "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" I felt the heat upon my cheeks that made them feel flush And relived music that had once provided such a rush. For one brief moment, standing there, I was that kid again Reliving wild and crazy times that I had known back then With David Bowie on the stage - perhaps the Dave Clark Five, Providing sounds that made a young kid glad to be alive. I remember way back then I found it hard to understand How Mom and Dad knew nothing of the day's top favorite bands. They didn't know the Troggs, the Animals, or Sam the Sham Or never heard the hit "I'm Henry the Eighth, I am, I am!!" So there I stood, I must admit, now feeling rather dumb. It dawned on me my Mom and Dad were what I had become. I didn't know the songs today or how young people think. I even thought those N'Sync guys were really "In the Sink"! The concert ended, we went home, her face was shining bright. She didn't speak but held on to the magic of the night. Then, as I walked her to her room, she turned and hugged me tight And said, "You're really wonderful. I love you, Dad. Goodnight." The Four Tops, the Five Satins, the Drifters and the Doors, Janice Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Joan Baez and more, Magically came from my past and stood there in full view To watch me kiss her on the cheek and say, "I love you, too." |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
I love it when you write like this....you got me all teary eyed....this is wonderful, to say the least  I enjoyed this very much  with all that you are... |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
Wow this was great...i have seen the stones two or three times...i even saw them when they were singing for free haa..can you believe that? In the sixties...along with Diana Ross and the Supremes and Frankie Vallie and the four seasons...it was steel pier in Atlantic City...loved this one..i was just a kid ha.. I remember my husband surprised my daughter with Michael Jackson tickets..he called to tell me on the phone and she was listening on the other end..it was suppose to be a birthday surprise..all of a sudden we hear a litle voice say.."Do I have to go Dad?..ha and of course he said...yes you do ha..like it or not  |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
beautiful, michael!!!! thank you for reposting this. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, I do believe the lawsuit from NSync is making it's way to you right now...ignorance is no excuse...However the rest of the poem had me rollin in the aisles I guess you could say I'm a rockin and rollin from the past. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
One I hadn't seen...but guess what? Now it's as Classic as the music you once knew, and a Keeper, along with I Want To Hold Your Hand... |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer dear heart How absolutely first rate is this, if this were a film I’d present it with an Oscar. If this were a record it would win record of the year. What is the equivalent of poem of the year? Well, whatever it is this deserves it. Sometimes just sometimes although with YOUR writing it is more often than not, you read Magic, this is utterly utterly MAGIC. I really love this it is sooooooooo you, so full of real life real people and it had me laughing and smiling. You did an excellent job on this one dear 'Deer utterly perfect    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 [This message has been edited by Marsha (01-12-2002 10:39 PM).] |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Ah Michael...a classic this is!! I am so pleased you brought it back as I had not seen it....brought back a lot of memories with the 'old' groups and singers....Motown is just 5 minutes from me...boy, what memories! Loved it Michael. ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~Time has cast a spell on you, |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  CLAPPING WILDLY!!! STANDING OVATION!!! Oh my gosh, you are soooooo sweet, your daughter must have had the time of her life, it made me cry to see you and her bond to visiting and revisiting the beauty of music youa nd her grew up to and loved. (sigh) Of all the Mick Jaggers and Neil Youngs and U2 and everything we cherish through these days, we all are so happy to live in harmony together. (sigh) This is sooooooo touching, sweet friend, I too can hear "I Want To Hold Your Head" as you smiled gazing at her smile! I LOVE IT!!! We all love you so much, sweet friend! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Play it again, Deer...any time! Much enjoyed! |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is truly a classic poem, bringing tears to my eyes as I remember the music I grew up with...so I turned on my radio to KOOLFM the number one oldies station in Arizona...sigh. Thanks for the memories..and for reminding me that music has been a big part of my poetic life. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This is great, Michael! Thanks for the memories...and the perspective! |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This brought a lump in my throat and reminded me of a Billy Joel concert I went to with my own daughter. I almost forgot it. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Kathleen--(Kay) |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
Oh shoot....you did it again..the tears are flowing....*sigh* a dad sharing with his daughter and learning he was once so young himself...absolutely delightful. I LOVE IT!!! **big big hugs** Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
tears in my eyes as it brought up sweet memories. Thank you for sharing this keeper. ((hugs)) Charisma ~*Theresia~* |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
SEA...thank you, lady...and I love it when you respond like this Victoria..thanks for sharing. That's funny! The Stones for free? At least they were priced right!! Doreen....and thank you for reading! Kethry..I always had you pegged for a rockin' and rollin' relic. Thank you! Sunshine..Listen! Do you wanna know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? LOL! Mushy...I don't know about the Oscar but if you want to present me with an Oscar Meyer wiener...great!! Glad you enjoy it, my friend Enchantress..yes, Motown was definitely the center of the world in those days, wasn't it? Glad you enjoyed... Noah...you can hear "I want to hold your Head"? Who sang it...Jack the Ripper? LOL! Only kidding, my friend. Thanks for your wonderful comment! Martie...the turntable's getting rusty but I'll keep trying!! Poet DeVine...yes, music is always a big part of any poet's life. It's our first exposure to lyrics and tempo...thanks for liking it. Rose..I'm sure it was a special moment for both of you... Startime..Don't cry, Canadian cutie! Yes, we do sometime forget we were young, don't we? Maybe because it was so, so, so long ago  Charisma...I'm sure you have many wonderful memories to recall....glad I could help! [This message has been edited by Balladeer (01-12-2002 06:11 PM).] |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Wonderful poem, bonding with our kids and sharing these special moments is priceless and so is this delightful poem! Ellie A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
...closer, do wa do...let me whisper in your ear...do wa do... ROTF... |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Oh Balladeer, since I am in your age group I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. I remember all those artists you speak of, our favorites and now the kids, they are so different,yes so alike us. wonderful write, so enjoyable. One for the library for sure. floria |
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Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
Oh 'Deer, I can relate to this one, I really can (but I am not of the Stones era) Loved it.Dee I wish you every happiness and may you always have the best of the good things in life. a brand |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, the nice thing about having children is you get to do the music scene all over again. I got to see New Kids on the Block, Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, and Radiohead and REM all with the excuse of chaperoning them. Unfortunately my kids are now too old for the concert scene otherwise I could get to see Lincoln Park, or Killing Heidi or even...gasp Elton John.  Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I, too, have realized that we were not much different than today’s kids. It dawned on me my Mom and Dad were what I had become. Thanks Melton [This message has been edited by 2dalimit (01-14-2002 10:14 AM).] |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Balladeer - Oh, how I like this!! I will no doubt be humming all the "oldies but goodies" all day long. Thankyou for melodic memories. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
ah yes, Neil Diamond, I remember...yep, I was about 15. I went with my father, and remember how his face lit up, and how we swayed to Sweet Caroline. I guess it goes both ways. Balladeer, you're the best. |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
Oh, Dear Balladeer,...you're really a fun dad Atleast, you try to know your daughter's fad And not get unduly sad or mad.... I'm glad that you wrote it out to help us not get enraged For, surely someday we all may have to pass thru' this stage.... Enjoyed this...thank you, old man... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
My werk monster demands my time But I just had to sneak Out of his clutches long enough To take a little peek And read a poem... maybe two... Okay! But only three! I saw your name and knew I'd find Poetic superiority. It matters not I'd read this once CLASSIC's always in style - If anything, another read Leaves an even bigger smile. For just a few short hours ago My wallet took a hit - I purchased both a Bob Dylan And Neil Diamond ticket! Now we are all ole fogies (And I don't have a date *G*) But I'm not ashamed to say I simply cannot wait!!!! Once again I smiled upon seeing the title... and smiled more with every line. *S* I love this one, Deer One!!! |
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True Reflections Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 143Ohio, USA |
Balladeer, Just amazing. A symphony of one. Very well done.  |
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peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
Wow.Standing ovation.I have missed your writes so much.It's wonderful the memories we can relive through our children.I try to be a contemporary mom.I actually like some of their music.But then again I like things from classical to hard rock.Nicely done. peaches |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
A great look into our past through our children's eyes! Thanks for posting this one again! Cor |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Ellie...yes, they are priceless. Thank you for sharing... Sunshine...say the words you want to heeeeeeeeeear.... floria...thank you! Our age group ain't so bad, is it??? Dee...that's ok. I'm from the Stone Age era myself!! Kethry...Elton is my man!!!!!!!! Melton...no, we weren't. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Glad you enjoyed! Nightshade...LOL! I do that all the time! Thank you! amigo..I can still raise Cain...er, a cane.  Suthern...Neil Diamond? No date? ON MY WAY!!!!!Thank you, sweet suthern gal... True Reflections...thank you for your kind words! Peaches...I have little doubt you are a fantastic mom! Classical and hard rock works for me... Corinne..yes, that's where we are..right there in their eyes. Thank you, girl!! |
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NapalmsConstantlyConfused
since 2001-05-15
Posts 529 |
it's sadly true regretful rue that this is not a game; a hue and cry reach to the sky explain away our shame. we cannot see what will soon be we only hear the past; who we once were we're now unsure but Floyd was such a blast. just say the word, man, and i will spam you with mp3's. long live the music of the 70's for me, the 90's for your daughter, and maybe the 2010's for mine?..... we do grow up into our parents, don't we? how rare a gift to realize even if only for a second what our parents really meant. great writing, as usual, man. -Dave |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh, it just doesn't get any more perfect than this Michael! What a wonderfully heartwarming story. A wonderful tale of a generation gap crossing the invisible lines, while bringing back so many great memories from our own pasts - beautiful flow. I have to tell you ... I was so lucky growing up. My parents loved their music, but also tolerated ours quite well. Years ago, my mom won concert tickets, to see David Bowie at the CNE, and though she passed the tickets on to my husband and I, I think she truly wouldn't have minded going herself, lol. A few years later, my mom, dad, hubby and I all purchased tickets for Tom Jones, and we went together to watch a fantastic concert ... I swear my mom and I had a hard time not rushing the stage, lol. Honestly though, that concert will stay with me forever as one of the best memory highlights of my life ... a time we shared that crossed all lines. I'm rambling, lol ..... hugs to you for these great memories Michael, thank you - this was a fantastic piece! Best wishes, /Kit |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Oh Michael, I havent been around much lately, but I’m sure glad I didn’t miss this one. What a wonderful story you have told here, you had me gigling, and sighing, and going “awww, all at once. You had me reliving the concerts of my youth, and how I once asked to borrow my moms credit card to buy tickets for two bands, Simple Minds, and The Cramps. My mothers response was “what? Simple minds you can see around our kitchen table any night of the week, and arent the cramps what you get once a month?” Also reminded me of some concerts I’ve taken my mom too, Roy Orbison and Tom Jones. And how she once dragged me to a Rod Stewart concert, which I enjoyed much more than I let on. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Hypnosis Member
since 2001-12-02
Posts 325CO |
Balladeer, your work always brings a smile to my face, especially this piece. Thanks for reposting it! I am one of those teenagers, and I can understand what you can go through with the new kind of pop, rock, and metal that there is today, sometimes it even weighs me down!lol Great work Balladeer! Randy Meador a life lived unexplored is a life not worth living. |
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