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Open Poetry #18
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All in a Name.........
| Open Poetry #18 |
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All in a Name......... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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My fantasy muse seems to be on vacation and I find myself writing about true events in my life. This is one..... . . . The night was cold and freezing as I watched the snowflakes dance Down quiet and deserted street in that small town in France. The gas lamps cast an eerie glow o'er streets now painted white And not a sound was heard to break the stillness of the night. Strasbourg is a quaint town, picturesque in every way. Long avenues wind through the town, botiques along the way. It's known for many churches, steeples rise majestically Creating skyline silhouettes no less than heavenly. I must confess, however, 'twas not churches on my mind In that delightful city on the west bank of the Rhine For I was just a soldier at the age of twenty-one Who liked to visit Strasbourg for some adolescent fun. I'd made the rounds of smoky bars and after-hours cafes (A young GI was always welcome way back in those days) I laughed and joked with locals, drank a bit more than I should And, by the time night ended, I was feeling rather good. So there I was, at 2 AM, in my Renault Dauphine... One of the coldest winter nights that I had ever seen. The snow came down with vengeance as I slowly drove along When, suddenly, with little warning,.....there was something wrong! Looking back, I know now that my fusebox went berzerk. My heater, wipers, radio and headlights wouldn't work! The snow came down so wet against the glass I couldn't see And driving anywhere was an impossibility. I parked my car against the curb while cursing at my luck Then held my knees close to me in a make-shift fetal tuck. I'd have to wait until the dawn got light enough to drive Assuming, by some miracle, I chanced to be alive! How long had I crouched in that state of agony? Who knows? My mind was drifting - I could feel a numbness in my toes. Unending shivers through me made my body ache with pain.... And then I heard the sound of tapping on the windowpane. I thought my mind was playing tricks due to my weakened state. The winter storm was raging and the hour was very late. No one would surely be outside - the weather was too poor! 'Twas just a dream........and then I heard the tapping sound once more. I used my hand to wipe away the ice film from the glass And saw a smiling, pretty face of some young Strasbourg lass, A lady of the evening selling temporary bliss. She had to be quite desperate to work a night like this!! She pointed to a doorway as she motioned with her hand, Then did it twice, then one time more so I would understand. She wanted me to follow and, though I am not a prude, My frozen state of torture didn't have me in the mood! I gave my head a sideways shake to say I wouldn't go But she grew more insistent as she stood there in the snow. I must confess my mind was swayed by thoughts of indoor heat So, finally, I jumped out and we ran across the street. The room ws sparsely furnished - bed and table, two small chairs. I don't think she'd been too successful peddling her wares But I was grateful for the warmth the heater could provide And happy I was there instead of in the car outside! She didn't speak much English and my French was very small So we could not communicate or say too much at all. I'm sure I looked an awful mess - that much I could surmise By all the sympathetic looks I saw there in her eyes. So there I stood, quite miserable, my hands and feet still numb While waiting for the proposition I was sure would come But she just smiled and looked at me, then took my hand, instead And laid me down, still fully clothed, and tucked me into bed. I guess I fell asleep the minute that I hit the bed. When I awoke, in place of darkness, there was light instead. Bright sun was streaming through the glass - the falling snow was gone.. The streets were paved with diamond-dust that sparkled with the dawn. I raised my head and saw her sitting on a kitchen chair With eggs and bacon on two plates with coffee waiting there. She motioned me to join her and I did so, happily, Unable to believe this fortune that had come to me! We couldn't really speak so we just smiled and moved our hands To speak in ways that only mutes and infants understand. I rubbed my belly as I licked my lips in ecstacy.... She put her hands together, bowed, and softly said, "Merci". I then got up and pointed at my watch to let her know That, though I had enjoyed it, it was time for me to go. Her smile was understanding as she took the plates away Then walked me to the door and smiled to speed me on my way. I took some Franc notes from my pocket, held the money out But she looked at me stonily, her lips now in a pout. She closed her hand around mine as she pushed it back to me Then gently smiled to let me know her kindness had been free. She put her hand up - "Wait a minute!", this small gesture said Then turned and grabbed on of the blankets lying on the bed. She placed it in my hands and ,with what English she had learned, Told me to bring it back to her whenever I returned. I felt tears well up at this act of generosity. A hooker in a small apartment doing this for me! I learned then not to judge one by the things one might have done For graciousness and kindness can be found in anyone. I saw a picture of her on the dresser in a frame... She saw my glance, removed it, found a pen and signed her name. She placed the photo in my hand with smile that said it all... I read the words she'd written...RAPPELEZ-VOUS MOI, Chantal. So that was that - I drove back home in cold of winter's day. The blanket she had loaned me kept me warm along the way. For two weeks I did soldier things until my next break came And I drove back to see the girl with such a pretty name. The neighbors said they didn't know why she had up and gone. "Those kind". said they, "are apt to spend their whole lives moving on." The room was bare, the bed was stripped, no trace of what had been.... Chantal became a memory I would never see again. Two years later I got married to a pretty wife. One year after that a daughter came into my life. I named her Dominique, the heroine of The Fountainhead (a book, coincidentially, that she has NEVER read!) Two years went by when, suddenly, another daughter came. My wife asked me one evening if I'd come up with a name. My mind went back to France - one special night there to recall And, in my mind, I saw her as I gently said "Chantal". For over thirty years now, there's a gal somewhere in France Who has a namesake in the states and it is not by chance... A payment for a favor not forgotten by a guy Who held the memory dearly though the years went passing by. I have a little fantasy imagination holds That I envision happening before I get too old. I picture that my poetry will bring me wealth and fame And many fans around the world will recognize my name. I picture, there in France, a woman in her seventies, Hands frail with age and nylons reaching only to her knees. I see her reading this same poem and see her mind recall A soldier on a snowy night and know that SHE'S Chantal. Of course it's just a fantasy that I'm sure won't occur But just in case it does, kind readers, this poem is for HER. RAPPELEZ-VOUS MOI she said to me and I can still recall That winter's day in France she wrote, REMEMBER ME.......Chantal. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  BRAVO!!! OH MY GOSH, THIS POEM BROGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, THIS IS FABULOUS!!! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSS) That was so sweet of Chandal to do something so special and nice for you in dire need, and I just know she will never forget you too, for you are a wonderful poet and friend to us all and your company to her was a great act of generosity I'm sure! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, we all love you so much, this is excellent! 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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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
memories like these make the best poems of all. well done 'deer. There is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar. |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
What an amazing story Michael. I could just picture you freezing, picture the warmth of that room, and the warmth of that woman. How true, we never know where we will find kindness in this world. I do wish she could read this poem…I bet it would make her swell up with pride. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
WOW...what a great narrator you are...your words did take me to that place & time...now i want to see ms.Chantal...i do hope she gets to see this, somehow, someday and know it's for her....thank you, Michael dear, for sharing...  |
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JBaker515
since 2001-02-28
Posts 458Dartmouth College |
WOWSERS!!! UNreal...great story!! This was wonderful. ~~Jeff~~ |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Balladeer, That is a wish that ought to come true! We can only hope. Awesome write and delightful memory. I like the lesson in this experience! [This message has been edited by Larry C (02-11-2002 11:46 PM).] |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Amazing is a tame word to describe this poem. It is magnificent!!  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Only you...could have written this...I was set to expound, but you didn't give the hanky alert, so instead, I must find a tissue...and by the time I come back, the responses will more than have doubled... you do weave a story so well... |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Michael, what an amazing story!! I wish for her to see this too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she could see that this was written for her, and how you have remembered her and her kindness through the years, enough to name a daughter after her? WOW! YOU are the master storyteller!! I love this one...mostly because it is true! Thank you Michael for letting us share in your memory of Chantal. ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~Love transcends time and space~ |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
making me cry is not fair!! I have missed your poetry, I'm happy you are back around  this touches so gently |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Oh what a wonderful and well told story. You are able to place the reader right in the middle of it all. I'm gald to see you back, I was just thinking I had not seen a poem of yours for too long. Sandra |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
you are the finest writer i know..... this is wonderful work |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, It is so nice to see something new from you I can't tell you how much I like this.. you are such an incredible writer. Your words can weave such lovely touching stories.. thank you for sharing Hugs, Tara "My heart is like an open book, for the whole world to read" |
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woodtic Member
since 2002-01-06
Posts 87 |
I'm really tired and my brian is fryed, but I had to read. To take your ride. A lovally trip down memory lane. Better still when it takes others in train. I felt the air and saw the street pictured the room and felt the heat. The warmth a gift and breakfast true. You remember and now we will too. Thanx for shareing, I think I'll have to read more of your stuff to figure out mine. |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
An absolutely AMAZING poem, Michael. You are so good at these story poems. Does your daughter or even your wife know where you got that name from?  Strasbourg is a beautiful city. Its the last place that I went on vacation with my first husband before he died. copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
This is perfectly why I want to be you...should I grow up! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Et pour votre poésie nous trop nous rappellerons vous, Michael.  The older I grow, the less important the comma becomes. |
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N orth Carolina Girl Senior Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 962NC,USA |
Balladeer,his was a wonderful story.I glad she was there to help you on that very cold night.She sounds like a very special lady with a heart of gold. Juanita |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
And this is why you are the "Balladeer" my friend.  Simply and truly, a wonderful weave ... made all the more poignant for the truth and memories behind the words. What a lovely tale. Now if I knew someone over that way ... I'd be advertising this for you, for I can't think of a more wonderful ending that this would bring ... than for your ending to come true. An excellent write, sweet poet. Thanks for starting my day with a smile. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Your fantasy muse should take a rest more often, m'deer... because your 'real-life' muse needs to come out more often. C'est magnifique, indeed...  |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Amazing! It's easy to see you're no tin man. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Damn Mike I think I'll go back to painting. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart Oh my stars how utterly utterly wonderful is this write of yours. Utterly utterly one of your utter best. YOU darling boy are a writer a really fabulous writer I love it. Truly your writing is wonderful you write so well, scratch that you write brilliantly. Your clarity of expressing feelings, memories and emotion is unique, well-done dear ‘Deer truly excellent writing Your skill in writing stories, anecdotes whatever is unsurpassed, you are a master craftsman at this, NO ONE does it like you. I love it love it love it as I said you are a great writer  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 |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
I enjoyed accompanying you on this walk down memory lane. Wonderful write! |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
This is a beautiful, wonderful poem. I can't say it any better, but I'm blinking back tears. I hope your poetry becomes world famous and Chantal reads this. Nan |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Noah...thank you, my friend...yes, she was very special Jamie...you are so right. Truth can outdo fiction for sure. Thanks for reading.. Tracey...that would be a wonderful ending, wouldn't it? I wonder if she remembers...? amigo...I would like to see her, too, just to say thank you (and I still have the blanket!) JBaker515...a compliment gets no better than WOWSERS! I thank you, sir! LArry C...it would indeed be a storybook ending but they only happen in the movies, I'm told  DeVine...thank you for such a wonderful compliment.... Sunshine....weave only just begun! Grab those hankies! Enchantress..thank you, dear lady. Well, at least 20 people know...I hadn't told anyone before. Thank you for your wonderful words.. SEA....someone said I was fair? That's a vicious rumor! Glad to be here to make you cry..... Sandra...yes, I hate it when life interferes with poetry but it happens. I'll try to be back soon. Thanks for missing me... doreen...that is quite a compliment! I thank you.... Tara...yes, new doesn't happen too often these days. I'm getting ode before my time  Thank you for your kindness...and for looking up my old stuff! Woodtic...I GUESS your brain was fried! Your response printed 4 times! LOL! Thank you, new friend, for such a creative poetic response. Enjoy..... Madame C...yes, it is a beautiful place, isn't it? No, they don't know. I told my daughter once she was named after a hooker but I don't think she believed me! Duncan...don't grow up! It's not worth it....stay just as you are and keep that good stuff coming! Mysteria..that's the best a poet can hope for. Thank you, my friend..... Kit....thank you for allowing me to..Who can say if she is even still alive? I think about her from time to time and wonder.... Nan...it's not taking a rest...it's on life-support!! Kethry...I thank you for the bronze medal! Sy...you just keep painting with words. You can do both. I, on the other hand, can't even draw water!! Mushy....I thank you... Interloper...glad to have you along. Want a croissant? pilgrimage...from your mouth to God's ear! LOL! Thank you, Nan. I'm very glad you liked it.. |
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skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
What a poem. Thank God for people like Chantal.  sky |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
She wrapped you in her angel wings Deer. This is an incredible story. Thanks for sharing Maree |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, the medal was gold to match Chantelle's heart and your write. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
'Deer, I would love to know that my name came from such a wonderful woman. This is beautiful. 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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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
*tears* This is fantastic, Michael! Very touching. I hope she sees it! |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
The most beautiful poem I have ever read... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Michael--The fact that this is a true story made it all the more toughing. I was there the whole way...in my heart. Beautifully written, my friend! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
skyshine...my sentiments exactly. Thank you... Dark Angel....that she did. There are indeed angels everywhere Kethry...thank you, dear lady.. Dee...I agree..and thank you very much for reading. Denise...wonderful to see you! Yes, I hope so, too... amusemi...I thank you for such an incredible compliment Martie...thank you for coming along..and for your kind words |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I wondered why I couldn't stay away from PIP today... for normally, this perpetually unloved gal plays hermit until Valentine's day slips away for another year. *S* I found my answer within the first few verses... and found perfection in every line. Best-selling novelists sometimes lose my attention, Deer one... your words never do. *S* I don't know if poetry will ever bring wealth and fame to your door... I just know that no poet deserves those companions more. *S* This is superb. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Perfection, master poet, I am applauding Liz |
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Dulcinea Senior Member
since 2001-07-22
Posts 774IN |
I enjoyed this sweet story poem, and I am sure that if she reads it, she will know, and smile. Very nicely done! |
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icequeen Senior Member
since 2001-12-09
Posts 633FL USA |
I hope you do get to see her someday... and that she gets to read this. It is marvelous. A true romance piece, with a bit of mystery in it. What more could anyone want on a cold night like tonight? Well, ok. It's cold for here, anyway. I won't ask to borrow your blanket though! |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Bonjour cutie patootie  Yet again your talent amazes me...I love the way you write! This keep me enthralled from beginning to end. You really are a great storyteller...and what a life you've lead! Take care, Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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Mary Anne New Member
since 2010-05-27
Posts 9TX |
You're story-telling ability in poetry is quite incredible. The fact that this is a true story makes it even more so. You are amazing and I'm at a loss to tell you the emotional impact that your poetry has on this reader. |
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