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Open Poetry #28
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RMW
Senior Member
since 2001-03-21
Posts 1424


0 posted 2003-08-13 03:14 PM


The Ditch Walker

"Don't walk the ditch when dusk comes on."

The boy stared at the pitchfork clutched
and the missing teeth,
while the words said softly,
through metal tines,
picked up something hard and tough.

"Best get back to your picnic son."

Then the boy ran off and the old man turned
to his life-long work of keeping free
from sticks and leaves, pop cans and such
that now and then will clog the ditch
that long ago had been a creek.

Later, at a rustic inn,
as the family dined and sparkling sipped,
the boy looked up
to a dusky painting of a mountain stream
and, in the shadows,
a cougar lapping.

RMW

© Copyright 2003 RMW - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2003-08-13 03:22 PM



Ah, the underlying dangers
of the unknown...

Robert, Welcome Home!  So very very good to see your name here.

And this..this brings up the memory of a lawsuit that I worked on when the child walked the ditch - with disasterous results...

now.  Since we've got you here...do it again!  

RMW
Senior Member
since 2001-03-21
Posts 1424

2 posted 2003-08-13 03:38 PM


Ah, Sunshine, well, yes, thank you, I'm sure. But you forgot to mention the e-mail that twisted my arm, tripped me up, sat on top of me, held me down and then demanded, by way of a poem, "Uncle". Robert P.S. Such a home coming.
Patricia
Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160
Missouri
3 posted 2003-08-13 06:00 PM


Oh my...this is wonderful. I actually caught my 12 year old daughter's attention when I read this write to her aloud.  (not an easy thing to do...capturing the attention of a 12 year old girl)!

Looking forward to reading more from you!

Patricia

Cpat Hair
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Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

4 posted 2003-08-13 06:13 PM


Bob... a pleasure as always to read you...
where you been you old jar head? it's about time you got your hiney in here and I don't care who had to twist your arm..lol

nice piece of work..as usual.


RMW
Senior Member
since 2001-03-21
Posts 1424

5 posted 2003-08-14 10:01 AM


Patricia....thank you for the kind words....and for your daughter's moment of attention. Both are encouraging. Bob

Ron....chuckling...."old jar head"....ain't it the truth. Work has been super busy.....and I've been much preoccupied with becoming a grandpa...twice. Life is sweet. Good to be reading you again as well. Thanks. Bob

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
6 posted 2003-08-15 12:48 PM


Bob...poignant message here, my friend...like being caught between two worlds.  Much enjoyed!
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
7 posted 2003-08-15 02:23 PM


What a wonderful story and message, now I am off to find more of your writing.  Stick around more, we could use a good yarn here and there.

I don't want to know where I am going, it'll ruin my journey.

Carpe' Diem        

angelblueyes
Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2148
Oklahoma
8 posted 2003-08-15 02:45 PM


A wonderful write and a great message all in one.
angelblueyes

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