The HonkyTonk Piano Man from Memphis, Tennessee.....ok, Krissy - promise kept

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Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2002-02-27 01:26 PM

I wound up in that little town just by pure chance that night,
A tiny spot down Dixie way where folks still treat you right.
I emptied out the camper of the products that I sell
Then settled for a night's sleep in a nondescript motel.

While finishing my toiletries, I thought I would, instead
Go down to have a nice cold beer before I went to bed.
I got directions from the clerk to find the local bar,
Deciding I would walk there since it wasn't very far.

When I was still a block away, I heard a wonderous sound
That sent my spirits skyward and then gently brought them down.
Piano chords, the likes of which I hadn't heard in years
Were flowing from that tavern with its buck-a-bottle beers.

Piano was my passion. I had studied with the best
But, in the end, I lacked the skills to pass the final test.
My passions did not dwindle, though. I still smiled with delight
Whenever I heard sounds produced such as the ones that night.

I entered through the side door and I mingled with the crowd.
Inside the music seemed to be ridiculously loud.
As I had passed the doorway, there had been a small marquee,
THE HONKY TONK PIANO MAN FROM MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.

Two guitar pickers were on stage - a fiddle player, too,
A drummer so darned small he almost disappeared from view,
And, right up front at center stage, for all the crowd to see...
The honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee.

His fingers flew like lightning, gliding up and down the keys.
The toughest hand manipulations he performed with ease
And, all the while, a big smile grew and shot from ear to ear.
He waved out to the rowdy crowd and chuckled at their cheer.

I sat, in abject fascination, watching as he played,
My senses overloaded at the talent he displayed.
Yet he performed as though it were a simple thing to do.
My head was getting dizzy at the way his fingers flew.

Then, as I watched, it hit me. I had seen those hands before!
Performing off in London - Copenhagen - Singapore!
This man had been the great pianist Johnathon LeGree,
This honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee.

LeGree had been the best there was, receiving great acclaim.
His destiny had been assured, as had his wealth and fame.
But then, one day, he walked away and disappeared from sight
To show up in this tavern playing honky tonk at night.

The evening show now ended and I saw him in the crowd.
They clapped his back and mussed his hair and called his name out loud.
A waitress handed him a box of chicken - southern fried.
I hurried to catch up to him and followed him outside.

He sauntered to a pick-up truck. I called, "Mr. Legree!"
He smiled and said, "I see my past is catching up with me.
You wonder what I'm doing here - why I am not the rage
Of Europe and America, up there on center stage."

"Well, yes", I stammered nervously. "I mean, you had it all.
Your star rose like a meteor and then you let it fall.
How could you let it slip away is what I can't digest.
Of all the masters of the keys, you were considered best."

"I had it all? I still do, son." He smiled quite happily.
"I've got my truck. I've got my friends and got my family.
I've got my music every night to keep me nice and warm.
I love to play piano. I just don't like to perform."

"So tell the tails and bluehairs that old Johnny says hello.
I'd like to keep on talking but I really have to go.
The chicken's getting cold. My wife is waiting up, you see,
But, friend," he smiled, "I thank you much for recognizing me."

With those last words he smiled and climbed up in his pick-up truck
And, as he pulled away, I heard him say he wished me luck.
I watched the best pianist in the world drive round the bend
And, as the headlights disappeared, I said, "You, too, my friend."

I do get asked quite frequently who I think is the best
Of all the great pianists, who is better than the rest.
They always think I'm joking when I answer, smilingly,
A honky tonk piano man in Memphis, Tennessee.

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

1 posted 2002-02-27 01:35 PM

I sometimes prowl through the archives... just enjoying old friends. *S* And this is why... gems are waiting there and even though the spotlight has moved on, they shine softly... and glow with every reading. *S*

I love this, Balladeer. Once again, you've created the perfect package... excellent poetic formatting of a wonderful tale. *S*

That honkytonk piano man is a lucky soul... he discovered and embraced a life that makes him happy. He must be reading your poetry every afternoon and loving it. *G*

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

2 posted 2002-02-27 01:40 PM

BRAVO!!! CLAPPING WILDLY!!! Oh my gosh, my Uncle Paul knows about Johnathon LeGree, he always tells me he was more independent than people thought and wished to live a peaceful life of solitude with his music! (big hugggssssss) Wow, this is sooooo cool, sweet friend, I'm so happy you wrote of this memory, you always make me smile with your stories! We all love you so so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

3 posted 2002-02-27 01:53 PM

What, Krissy hasn't yet alighted on this gem of a poem? No, more than a poem...Life! This is SO good of you to bring back...I remember the first time I read it...I think I was only missing the smell of the smoke...I could hear the music so well...[oh, that was TNN and the Opry...]

Thank you for bringing back this Treasure...

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

4 posted 2002-02-27 01:57 PM

Thanks for the repost on this gem Michael! No one writes them like you do...no one!!
I love it...and I'm keeping it!
~Smiles and Hugs, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
So that you won't ever forget me.~

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

5 posted 2002-02-27 02:19 PM

Kind of sad there are not more of these great old-timers anymore, and as I read this I was reminded of two brothers from the South that performed here to standing room only crowds. I thought the last time I saw them they even had the same hats on, but probably not.

Michael you sure are our Hans Christian Andersen of poetry that is for sure, and I hate to think what it would ever be like here without your stories. Bring back another one every so often please. Actually - going to find one to request!

~* Imagination is more important than knowledge *~

Einstein

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (02-27-2002 02:20 PM).]

Krissy
Senior Member

since 2002-02-22

Posts 556
kent England

6 posted 2002-02-27 02:33 PM

’Deer thank you very much, I knew a please would work. This is really a wonderful story, it’s an absolutely excellent piece of writing of the type you do so very well.

Yes thank you for re-posting this delightfully vivid story, and not that I’m greedy or anything but can I ask for a few more? Pretty please.

Hey mum!! Two / nil two nil, I win again, you’re slacking mum, and I’m ahead

This really is one of the best poems I’ve read, it has it all, a brilliant story, great pace, music and a performing artist. Thank you

Love and warm stuff
As always
Krissy

And while thy willing soul transpiers
at every pore with instant fires
Andrew Marvell 1621-1678

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-05

Posts 8296
Michigan

7 posted 2002-02-27 05:35 PM

I just love your fabulous story poems, Michael.....

Thanks for re-posting this one...I hope you re-post some more of your oldies but goodies.

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks

Pilgrimage
Member Elite

since 2001-12-04

Posts 3945
Texas, USA

8 posted 2002-02-27 05:40 PM

This is fantastic. I love the rhythm and the tale. It's a song and I want to sing it all day.

Nan

Interloper

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-06

Posts 8369
Deep in the heart

9 posted 2002-02-27 05:55 PM

I love your storytelling beyond my vocabulary's ability to describe!

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

10 posted 2002-02-27 05:57 PM

I'm not supposed to be here right now---ssssh....just popping in to say that this is one of me favorites...an excellent example of your fine poetic skill! (sneaking out, now--

)

strbbux
Member Elite

since 2001-12-19

Posts 3859

11 posted 2002-02-27 06:59 PM

Gee, you could have invited us all to that party. I knew as soon as I read the title that I would be in love with this Baladeer, Loveing piano and honky tonk music. I could just hear those ivories. I so much enjoyed this poem. Great write. Pure entertainment.floria

Floria

"Alas for those that never sing,
But die with all their music in them"
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Marsha

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-10

Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England

12 posted 2002-02-27 09:18 PM

’Deer dearest heart, excuse me yet again, Krissy darling daughter, remember who’s computer it is sweetie, do you get my drift? Sorry about that she’s incorrigible. So don’t encourage her, she doesn’t need it.

Where was I? Yes I remember I was just going to say that this is one of my utter favourites I really love this it truly has the works. Entertaining, delightful, a fabulous story and music, what more could I ask for? Mmmmmm well if you’re offering dear ‘Deer more? The Forth Tenor springs to mind, that is an absolutely divine poem. It’s only fair, Krissy will lord it over me else

It is truly an absolutely fabulous story and the little trollop is right you do write stories outstandingly well. I’m allowed to call her names I’m her mum, it’s written in that mummy contract of heart we all get delivered with the babe.

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 Luke 2:79

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

13 posted 2002-02-27 11:42 PM

suthern girl...I love it when you are on the prowl. Thank you for the kindness, sweet lady

Noah...amazing that your Uncle would know of him! Thank you, kind sir

Sunshine...nothing wrong with being in the company of TNN and the Opry. Thanks for enjoying

Enchantress..keep it by all means! It's yours!!

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

14 posted 2002-02-27 11:59 PM

Mysteria..that's a deal! You find them...I'll resurrect them! I'm SO glad you enjoy them

Krissy..I'm glad you like it. I couldn't let you down, could I? There's something about your family that's irresistable

Madame...thank you for enjoying. Actually they've been around so much I feel guilty about bringing them back...but I'll sneak one in once in a while

pilgrimage...sing away! I'll hum along with you

Interloper..I can't imagine anything beyond your vocabulary but I thank you for the compliment, good sir

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

15 posted 2002-02-28 12:05 PM

serenity....COME BACK!! This is exactly where you are SUPPOSED to be!

floria...thank you for letting me entertain you...and for your wonderful words

Marsha...they gave you a mummy contract? ok, then, four tenors of your choice coming up so you can call it even with her....and no more fighting!!

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

16 posted 2002-02-28 11:48 PM

Balladeer,
Gotta add my plug. Awesome story so well told. Don't ever stop. Another keeper.

mutington
Member

since 2000-11-29

Posts 132
New Jersey, USA

17 posted 2002-03-01 02:31 AM

FANTASTIC WRITING......You are talented and gifted writer/poet!!

mutington/joyce

"I can live by myself, but not within myself."
MUTINGTON'S MEADOWS

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

18 posted 2002-03-02 04:40 AM

balladeer-
You are the best of the best when it comes
to these kinds of writes.
I remember reading this and loving it before,
and I'm loving it even more this time.
Nobody writes a story quite like you, my friend.
Hugs,
~Vicky

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

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

19 posted 2002-03-02 10:32 PM

This had the same impact on me as the first time I'd ever read it (and the second and third and fourth...some poems you just can't get enough of, ya know?! ) Excellent, Sir Balladeer!

You're one of the best there is!!!

Christopher

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-02

Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration

20 posted 2002-03-03 12:30 PM

i remember this one michael - it is one of my favorites too - your writing as a whole is usually delivered in a unique, pleasant way - this one, among a few others, hits the home run, and makes one want to stand in the bleachers stomping their feet.

thanks for the recap

Chris

doreen peri
Member Elite

since 1999-05-25

Posts 3812
Virginia

21 posted 2002-03-03 05:06 PM

i love a man who can tickle my ivories and put music in my soul!!

michael....... you are awesome!!!!

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

22 posted 2002-03-03 05:14 PM

Michael--This is one of my favorites of yours! You are so good at this kind of writing.

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