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Open Poetry #28
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Nightshade
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just out of reach

0 posted 2003-09-14 05:30 PM





.
.
.
The man across the street
is drinking
again
I wanted to tell him
how lovely his garden
looked
after all of his
hard work.
But, he wouldn't
listen...
not now.
I wanted to show him
the pictures I took
of his grandchildren
perched proudly upon
his lap that Sunday
at his birthday
celebration.
But, he wouldn't be
interested...
not now.
The man across the street
is drinking
again
I wanted to explain why
his sweet wife would not
be coming home
for a few days,
and why his dogs
are hiding behind
the couch -
eyes full of fear
trying so hard
not to piddle.
But, he wouldn't
care...
not now...
The man across the street
makes birdhouses and
tells the best stories,
helps out all the neighbours -
But not now...
no...
not right now.


.
.
.
Chris Barker
September 2003
~~~~


© Copyright 2003 Chris Barker - All Rights Reserved
SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
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On A Journey To The Unknown
1 posted 2003-09-14 05:46 PM


Chris, this is so sad. Drinking sure messes up alot of things.
SharaRose
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since 2003-07-19
Posts 2501
Somewhere out there~
2 posted 2003-09-14 05:47 PM


I know 3 people like this, and you never forget it. They do leave their mark on your life, that is for sure. This write rang alot of familiar bells for me. All the things you said you want to do...do them, because they were nice things, but I know what you mean...there are better times to do it.
Shara @-->--

Of sound, and speech let all lift the hearer!

garysgirl
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3 posted 2003-09-14 05:52 PM


Oh Chris, this really touched my heart. So many let alchohol and drugs ruin the happy times in their lives. Sometimes until they're gone completely. So Sad.
  
Hugs to you, sweet lady,  
Ethel

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
4 posted 2003-09-14 06:10 PM


Chris...these are 'just thoughts'?
If so, you should be jotting your thoughts down constantly..
because this is you at your best!
Very real, very intimate a portrait you painted...of a sad, sick, soul.
Excellent and profound write!
~Hugs, luv and miss ya, Teed~

*Thanks again for the 'no reason' call,
      I needed it today*

      ~ Summer can't be over...
   I still have sand in my shoes ~

Nightshade
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5 posted 2003-09-14 06:26 PM


Aww...thanks you guys. I just hate seeing a wonderful person dissolve into a mumbling mess all because of alcohol or drugs. Such a waste of a special spirit. hugs!
Chrissypooh
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since 2002-02-19
Posts 80
Canada
6 posted 2003-09-14 07:34 PM


Excellent and profound write!
                             Christine


Magnus
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7 posted 2003-09-14 07:51 PM


Excellent write Chris.....yes, sad it is.
behind the alcohol often times lies a
very troubled mind.  Struggling every day
with their problem.  You probably cannot
count the number of times they said "this is
the last one, no more".....

IF they ever understand what is causing them
to reach out for something that numbs what
ails them (mentally)...and can face their
demons....they can win...

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
8 posted 2003-09-14 08:25 PM



A most interesting picture to display
with such concise wording...who hasn't
been in this scenario - seeing, hearing,
knowing, not being able to do anything;
and when they are logical and sober -
do they even remember?

Not right now...

Oh Chris...your muse is wonderful!  The puppy must have been sleeping!  Good puppy!

Nightshade
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9 posted 2003-09-14 08:45 PM


Christine - Hello! Thankyou! hugs.

Magnus - yes, tis a sad situtation all round. thankyou for your comments

Karilea - Dear lady .. thankyou so much.
I think this puppy - Meeka - just might be part "muse." lol. hugs!

angelblueyes
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since 2003-07-19
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Oklahoma
10 posted 2003-09-14 09:39 PM


I can so understand this.I can remmeber when we were young and my father was like this.Well penned.
Crystal

Nightshade
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just out of reach
11 posted 2003-09-14 09:46 PM


Thanks so much for reading and commenting angelblueyes.
QjQ
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since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
12 posted 2003-09-15 01:39 AM



                               

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
13 posted 2003-09-15 02:00 AM


Chris - excellent write, I read a lot of sadness in it...

BC

scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
14 posted 2003-09-15 08:34 AM


Most insightful write,Chris...

believe in what your heart feels...

MissRhyme
New Member
since 2003-09-15
Posts 3
Ajax, Ontario, CANADA
15 posted 2003-09-15 09:26 AM


This poem is very creatively written and written with much heart. It hit very close to heart for me as I have a brother who is very much like this man you wrote about. Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem.

Joan

Seymour Tabin
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Tamarac Fla
16 posted 2003-09-15 09:31 AM


Chris,
Every scale has a balance, good write enjoyed.

ThisDiamond
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since 2002-02-22
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Michigan, USA
17 posted 2003-09-15 09:34 AM


As an innocent by-stander, the madness of this experience was so gently portrayed.
We become the watchers...wondering if soon the time will come for healing.
Wonderful write. TD

Mistletoe Angel
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18 posted 2003-09-15 12:52 PM




(big hugggssssssss) Oh Chris, I also don't understand why people drink alcohol and smoke, sweet friend, if it doesn't taste good, if it doesn't summon the Gods, and if it is terrible for your body and leaves your body vulnerable to cancer and other diseases, I find it utterly ridiculous why people would even think of beginning it! (wipes tears) That to me is like a half-suicide and I find it selfish how people destroy themselves like that, my heart goes out to all doing this, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Chris, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth
I can see the sun set and I perceive

***Live***

Nightshade
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19 posted 2003-09-15 01:36 PM





All of my Passion's friends!!

Aenimal
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the ass-end of space
20 posted 2003-09-15 03:38 PM


sad topic, excellent words
Martie
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21 posted 2003-09-15 03:54 PM


Chris

This was so well done, and compassionately real.

Too often I have been touched by just this kind of scene with people that are important to me.  Sad, how alcohol feels like it's hiding pain, and yet it is also locking out love.

GG
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since 2002-12-03
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Lost in thought
22 posted 2003-09-15 03:58 PM


This is just one of the many reasons that the smell of alcohol makes ne sick to my stomach. I wish people could get it...

Excellent write.

Always, Alyssa

- And so it was that time stood still -
     (blink, breathe, stand, fight)

Nightshade
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23 posted 2003-09-15 03:59 PM


Raph -  Thankyou so much.

Martie - Dear poetess, thankyou for taking the time to read and comment. This is "real" and I have tried talking to this person more than once....always adding that he is loved. A sad scene I can witness quite easily from my computer station. hugs!

Nightshade
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24 posted 2003-09-15 04:00 PM


Alyssa - turns my stomach as well! Thankyou for your comments and hugs to you.
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