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Open Poetry #19
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The Last Words of Mary Dodd...........last one, Krissy!
| Open Poetry #19 |
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The Last Words of Mary Dodd...........last one, Krissy! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The funeral had been quiet - just the family - nothing more They'd laid her in her final resting place the night before. He sat now, going through the things that she had saved through life This woman who, for fifty years, had been known as his wife. The clothes he placed into a pile - the perfume for the daughter. He smiled at all the trinkets and cheap jewelry he bought her And, way up on a shelf where he had never thought to look, He reached his hand up high and came down with a ledger book. He opened it...saw birthday dates - some cooking recipes, Some facts of little consequence - some homemade remedies Then, way back on the final page he happened to explore, He saw some notes she'd written down who knows how long before. She wrote them in a quite strange way - not like a diary... It read more like a news report or some biography. He read the first line, then the next, then sat down on the bed, His eyes refusing to believe the poignant words he read.... My name is Mary Dodd I am 55 years old I am 5'1" I weigh 155 pounds I am vain enough to believe I carry it well. I have known one man in my life. My husband is a decent kind hard-working man. I have birthed two children. I have never made love. My satisfaction has never been a priority or concern. "What gibberish was this?" he thought. She'd not made love indeed! He gave her years of pleasure every time he felt the need! He almost tossed the book aside like more junk to discard But her next words jumped off the page and hit him very hard..... I have corresponded with another man. He is warm and caring makes me laugh makes me feel special cherished desired puts a smile on my face. I will lose 15 pounds then send for him. He will come. He will want to make love. I will allow him to do so. He will take me to a darkened room where I will surrender myself unashamed to his touch. I will experience one time all joy and pleasure unoffered to me until now. I will do so without guilt without regret without fear. He will guide me and I will follow willingly eagerly happily like a child. I will smile laugh cry most importantly I will feel wanted. Afterward I will lay in his arms quietly for a time then get up dress touch his lips with my finger. He will know that this will be the only time. "The dirty rotten slut!", he screamed. His voice was filled with rage. He had to force himself to not tear out and burn the page. He never thought her sexy or not even good in bed And, all the while, she passed it out to other men instead! My life will continue. I will wash cook iron clean be the perfect wife I have always been. On rare occasions that I am called upon to perform I will function capably doing what I must to validate my man's opinion of himself. Occasionally when burdens of the day become overly heavy I will release from my treasure chest of memories those precious moments of that day then when I lay amid rumpled sheets a desired fulfilled complete woman. My husband will never know. By now nighttime had fallen and her words had hit their mark. He sat alone, a huddled figure weeping in the dark. He thought of how he treated her-his lackey, fool and slave And never realized her worth til she was in the grave. "I'm sorry, girl", he whispered to the book. "I should have known It wasn't right ignoring you and leaving you alone." Had these words been a fantasy or did she really go? In that regard, she'd been correct - he'd never really know. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (BIG HUGGGSSSSSSS) Oh my gosh, this is sooooooooo wonderful and beautifully heartwrenching, sweet friend, YOUR STORYTELLING ALWAYS AMAZES ME, I LOVE IT!!! (sigh) This one tugged at my heartstrings, it broke my heart to feel for him and how he never touched Mary's here as he regretted in the end, feeling the reteospection of her and the remorse and regrets of her lost love! (sigh) This is very sad but beautiful, sweet friend, we all love you so much, BRAVO!!! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!    May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (03-05-2002 10:27 PM).] |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Something to ponder in this one Michael. Whether man or woman, this is what happens when we take someone for granted. They may be in our lives physically, but their thoughts and feelings wander elsewhere. How sad that is. Great story Michael, as always. Ps, just thought I’d let you know, I must have brought the lousy weather to Florida, cause it followed me to New Orleans this past weekend. But, you know me….didn’t stop me from having a good time!!!  If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Please, sir... I want a copy of your book... first edition, autographed. And I'm not getting any younger, so hurry up already! *G* If I hadn't loved poetry before knowing you, I would upon reading your words. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
...Incredible!!... ~Time has cast a spell on you, |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Michael ... it simply amazes me how you take the heart and feeling of your characters and place them so openly and achingly on the page. You can "feel" the emotions from both sides in this marvelous piece. An excellent poem indeed, sweet poet!  Best wishes, /Kit |
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walker Member Elite
since 2001-02-11
Posts 2240Florida |
Many people live that painful life, then they die. Great story here. [This message has been edited by walker (03-06-2002 07:34 AM).] |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
one of the best pieces I have ever read here... M |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
It may be in the black and white that it was time he saw the light but did she go? There is the key She was the one to know...never he. The last time?...I think not... keep asking, Krissy!!!! |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Baladeer, I must tell you, your writing are the only ones that make my eyeballs become glued to the screen, and I go back and read it again, do you have a book out? This is a wonderful story of love not appreciated. It is heartfelt and sad, yet there is that question. Did she? hmmmmm I love this.BRAVO floria PS I came back in here to ask you something Baladeer, How does one come to write like this? Were you born with this gift? Floria "Alas for those that never sing, But die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) [This message has been edited by strbbux (03-06-2002 10:05 AM).] |
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peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
Michael, You amaze me as always  Your characters and words seem to abound from the page.I feel the heartwrenching pain from both sides of this story.Too often we think our loved one is with us totally and completly.If we took just a few minutes a day to look at what is there we might be surprised.Nicely done sir.  Peaches |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
Very touching...sad for both the husband and the wife...she never knew what love really was..and he thought he did..until she died..nicely done deery.. ~Victoria~ "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
’Deer hi there, I don’t know if I can type this I’m crying and so is mum, we are both sitting here with our arms around each other sobbing. I’ll forgive you for making me cry, but only because you are such a good writer I don’t know if you deserve forgiveness for bringing tears to mums eyes, I think you might just have to pay for that. Another couple of classics like this in the next few weeks might do it This is surely one of the most outstanding pieces I’ve ever read. The whole tenor of the story flows from beginning to end flawlessly. What a way to live and die, not knowing the person you’re supposedly sharing your life with, how tragic. I can feel my soul crying out for all those who suffer like this. How good you are as a writer to be able to create the scene and the emotion like this. You are a seriously good poet. Have I mentioned that I really do love this poem?   Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
OH MY GOSH....dearest Balladeer...will you ever cease to amaze me...there is so much here that I am left speachless...oh more..please..I beg of you...**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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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Oh my goodness. This is a wonderful poem, a wonderful story. Inspired. Nan |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
well, if she went, who could blame her what a way to go! LOL!!!!! i wasn't going to comment on this poem because it is one of your poems that makes me so emotional, i wasn't sure i'd have anything to say that would make any sense while i typed through the tears but i decided to respond to again let you know i think you're a wonderful writer with an amazing imagination. now i'll go back to wiping the tears off my keyboard and then i think i'll go take a trip through the archives and read some of the other poems that you've written that have always been so very special and dear to my heart. you are a fine writer, michael...... |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
A classic Balladeer poem - a 3 hanky no less. Now I have to go fix my makeup. (note to self - never read 'deer at work) |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart finally I can make a reply to this stunning piece of literature for that is what it is dear ‘Deer, literature of the highest standard. Krissy was right you had us both sobbing, and not just a little tear either this is an utterly fantastic written record of soul destroying heartache. I could totally feel the emotion that throbbed through this outstanding story. The tale of a relationship, neither loving nor hating, simply a nothing, how tragic a life that was. And how true that so many souls settle for it. I don’t know how you manage to do what you do, hook into the soul of your reader and involve them in your story. The reader becomes the story, that is unique, it is rarer than hens teeth, what writer wouldn’t give their write arm for that ability. You are an absolutely superb writer, and able to judge your audience to a T. What else can I say, except ‘Deer you made me cry how wicked of you, tears don’t suit me at all Seriously this is utterly utterly fantastic writing. As always Mushy   To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace Luke 2:79 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Noah...thank you for realizing such insight into this poem.. Tracey...true words indeed. Welcome back! It hasn't rained since you left! Haven't had a good time since you left, either...come back!!!  Suthern girl...what a beautiful thing to say, sweet lady. Book is due out in a couple of weeks...I'll let you know Nancy...you only said one word but I heard volumes! Thank you, m'lady... Kit...thank you, girl. You know how special your comments are to me... walker...yes, they do. The story may be different but the ending never changes... Maureen...that means a lot to me. Thank you... sunshine...life is filled with mysteries. This shall remain one...stop encouraging her!!! Strbbux...thank you for such kind words. I can't answer your question. I grew up in a town of less than 100 people with no children my age. My only friends were my imagination and an insatiable desire to read everything I could get my hands on. They serve me in my writing.... peaches...how right you are. Taking someone for granted is always a very dangerous thing. Thank you for enjoying... Victoria...that's right...they both lost. Glad you liked the presentation... Krissy...you asked for it!! (and I'm very glad you liked it!) Thank you, wonderful daughter of a wonderful lady... Startime...I can never resist a woman who begs....it's never happened before!! LOL! OK, I'll dig around and see what I can find...thank you, my friend... Pilgrimage..thank you VERY much for reading and enjoying.. Doreen...I'm really glad you liked the style enough to let it be known it so expressively....see you in the archives!!! Poet deVine...a triple hanky thanky is indeed an honor! I thank you... Mushy...Krissy may call you mum but you are ANYTHING but mum, aren;t you???LOL! Thank you, mushy. I will take each tear as a badge of honor....and do my best to keep you crying for a long time!!! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
How did this gem manage to get by me?.. I love this.. Your insights are astounding, Deer... Would that we could all appreciate what we have while it's ours... No one says it as you do, Mike... [This message has been edited by Nan (03-06-2002 09:54 PM).] |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
And the cutie patootie tugs at my heartstrings once again! This is one heck of a poem! Your style and use of free verse and structured verse is very effective. This touches me. I love the way you write~ This is a keeper Take care, Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
WOW...again...two special treats in one day...thank you & thank you...you weave magic with words, dear one...so full of pain for both, but great lessons for all....thanks again... |
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jellybeans Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298 |
I don't care how many times I read this, my heart will catch in my throat, and my eyes fill with tears.......thank you for this repost.....thank you for being you |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Totally Awesome, Michael.. I think that you really have a handle on human nature and you also have a way of expressing it better than anyone else I've ever read!!!!!!!!! This one brings tears and cheers!  copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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