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Open Poetry #25
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Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2003-03-31 06:28 PM



It was just a tiny cancer cell
No different than most
Well hidden as it fed upon
The body of its host.

As time went on it multiplied
Destroying as it grew
Though it was only microscopic
Safely out of view.

In time the patient realized
That there was something wrong
But he ignored the subtle warnings
As time moved along.

The cell had grown to millions now
Its strength a thousand fold.
Small functions were affected where
The silent beast took hold.

Physician diagnosis came
Suggestions for a cure.
He recommended chemo but
The patient was not sure.

"Chemo kills the good with bad",
The patient sadly said.
"I'll not accept a treatment where
The good may wind up dead."

And so procedures were delayed
As cancer made its way
Through unprotected areas
Where vital organs lay.

Invading each one easily
It sealed the patient's fate.
He screamed for any treatment but
His actions came too late.

The patient now lies cold and still.
His life became a hell
Because he did not act against
A single cancer cell.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Terrorism is a disease...

© Copyright 2003 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
1 posted 2003-03-31 06:33 PM



I knew you were going farther
than a single cell would take us...
and I am proud of what you have to say...
because you say it, and stand behind
what you say.

Martie
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California
2 posted 2003-03-31 06:35 PM


You packed a punch with this metaphor, Deer...and you got your point across.  Well done!
bsquirrel
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3 posted 2003-03-31 06:56 PM


And the hit-and-miss war of chemo, that kills as many cells as it tries to save, is the cure. Nice poem.
jellybeans
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since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298

4 posted 2003-03-31 06:57 PM


wonderful work mr balladeer *smile*
kayjay
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since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
5 posted 2003-03-31 07:22 PM


This is an awesome signal...well sent.  Ken J

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
6 posted 2003-03-31 07:26 PM


Bravo 'Deer!  Excellent!!  You said it perfectly!
~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

its a secret
New Member
since 2003-03-31
Posts 3

7 posted 2003-03-31 07:41 PM



Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
8 posted 2003-03-31 07:50 PM


Balladeer,
You did it again,


Balladeer
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9 posted 2003-03-31 07:51 PM


Sunshine..thank you for the kind words. I'm not always right but I'm sincere

Martie...please consider it a love-tap...I'd never punch you!!!

Mikey...No, not as many good as bad when done with precision and care, otherwise it would not be so widely used....but certainly some. I appreciate the read..

jellybeans..how I love seeing your name. Thank you, miss!!!

kayjay....I'm glad you enjoyed...I thank you.

Enchanting one...if it pleased you then it was perfect indeed!

it's a secret...thank you for honoring me with your first reply here...

regards2you
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since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
10 posted 2003-03-31 07:51 PM



Oh my gosh! Brilliant!


Enjoyed greatly, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
11 posted 2003-03-31 07:53 PM


Sy...I didn't mean to!! I'm innocent!!!

hehe..Pat, you sneaked in there...thank you!

[This message has been edited by Balladeer (03-31-2003 08:05 PM).]

Ringo
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since 2003-02-20
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Saluting with misty eyes
12 posted 2003-03-31 08:43 PM


Outstanding job with a great twist at the end. Another masterpiece.

Imagine all the People living life in peace...
John Lennon

garysgirl
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Florida, USA
13 posted 2003-03-31 08:47 PM


Michael, you made your point very, very well.
And, I think it's brilliant the way you did it, too!!

Hugs  
Ethel  

Mistletoe Angel
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Portland, Oregon
14 posted 2003-03-31 08:49 PM




(big hugggssssssss) And sadly there appears to be terrorism everywhere now, not only through weapons but also in politics and dishonesty! (sad sigh) Terrorism will never be cured until we all aim for world peace, this is so well-said, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Balladeer, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Ratleader
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Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass
15 posted 2003-03-31 09:05 PM


Alas that you are so right, Baladeer, in both venues.

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

Pascal
Member
since 2003-03-30
Posts 54
Ontario, Canada
16 posted 2003-03-31 09:47 PM


Incredibly powerful poem - such a strong message for everyone to heed the power of one small cell.

Excellent!

Pascal  

Believe in yourself and wonderous things will happen

[This message has been edited by Pascal (03-31-2003 09:47 PM).]

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
17 posted 2003-04-01 08:06 AM


Just about as good as it gets....I know I usually say alot about nothing...even when it doesn't apply to the post....(as you so well described on the alley..LOL)....but I do that on purpose, only cuz I'm nuts...but this is superb my friend....
Nan
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since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
18 posted 2003-04-01 08:09 AM


...Wise words, my Deerest friend...

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

19 posted 2003-04-01 08:20 AM


Just look at you working those metaphors and rhyme divine so masterfully...
This ones intend gets you extra spammy smooches and some Vienna Sausages on the side!! You bringing the crackers? LOL

"and when we get to the pearly gates ...
we'll find what we called our sins were just mistakes."

Tom Kimmel


Denise
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since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

20 posted 2003-04-01 08:31 AM


I couldn't agree more, Michael. And things wouldn't be so tough now if we had started treatment a bit earlier, but we will survive. Great expression.
hoot_owl_rn
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since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
21 posted 2003-04-01 08:51 AM


Michael...your words ring loud and true Nice job with this one on all respects and I'm with you 100%
suthern
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Louisiana
22 posted 2003-04-01 08:57 AM


A great big fist of fear was clenching my heart ever tighter as I read... but it opened to applaud as I reached the end.

It doesn't get any better than this, Bal... *S* Poetry at its finest... wisdom to be heeded. *S*

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
23 posted 2003-04-01 10:19 AM


Balladeer~
You did that 'thing' you always told me to do .... reach deep !

This is sincerely wonderful~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com                        

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
24 posted 2003-04-01 10:25 AM



"Chemo kills the good with bad",
The patient sadly said.
"I'll not accept a treatment where
The good may wind up dead."

so very true, both in health and in your explanation of terrorism. Actually I believe this is one of the best poems on either subject. I hope you have it published somewhere...or as a letter to the editor

hugssss
M

Toerag
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since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
25 posted 2003-04-01 05:33 PM


I understand sometimes they use "radiation" for cancer too....Am I mistaken Mike?...
Mark Bohannan
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since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
26 posted 2003-04-01 06:55 PM


I knew while reading this that it reflected procrastination and it's affect but the ending really struck home and you did it perfectly ... but you always do sir.  Wonderfully stated and a great way to get the point across.  Loved the read and it's good to come back and be able to indulge in your works.
Titia Geertman
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since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
27 posted 2003-04-01 07:41 PM



Only you could have written such a beautiful piece of truth Deer.

I'm with you all the way.

Titia

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

dreambuilder
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since 2003-03-23
Posts 319
caddyshack
28 posted 2003-04-01 07:45 PM


outstanding sir - what a twist - I look forward to more of your writting
Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
29 posted 2003-04-02 12:18 PM


Thank you all for your comments and opinions. I appreciate you all....

Yes, Toe, it does.....

Larry C
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since 2001-09-10
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30 posted 2003-04-02 12:33 PM


'deer,
I love applying lessons of nature to life experiences. This makes a point in a way that the facts never could. Very well done again. I love it!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Gunslinger
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901
TX, USA
31 posted 2003-04-02 01:10 AM


Excellent, my 'deer friend. I applaud radical treatment for both diseases!
Bill Charles
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since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
32 posted 2003-04-02 01:19 AM


Balladeer - Damn, how true you write of this. My younger brother knew something was not right but let it go until it was too late. I hope just one of all who reads this inspires them to do something if they don't feel well. Thanks for this...

BC

passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
33 posted 2003-04-02 03:55 AM


awesome...that's all I can seem to say
littlewing
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since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
34 posted 2003-04-02 05:21 AM


Awesome write here - am just in awe of how you compared the two - to the T and with a punch . . .  you drove it home . . . xxoo
morefiah
Member
since 2003-03-26
Posts 150
Spanish Town, Jamaica
35 posted 2003-04-02 09:12 AM


An excellent write. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not sure I understand exactly what your point about terrorism is though... Terrorism as a term can itself be a metaphor can't it? I am with you however, that inaction (the correct action) is a sure way to invite dire consequences. I repeat that this is an excellent poem whatever one believes.
Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
36 posted 2003-04-08 06:36 AM


What an awesome metaphor for a terrifying event on both levels.
Kethry

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



Spine Grinder
Senior Member
since 2000-10-28
Posts 1127
Standing In Silence...
37 posted 2003-04-08 09:16 AM


If You Wanna See A Rainbow, You've Gotta Live Through The Rain. And If You Wanna See Through Love, You've Gotta Live Through The Pain.

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

38 posted 2003-04-08 09:52 AM


Fantastic! 'Deer... fantastic!



adding to my library

Maree

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