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Open Poetry #35
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The Old Palace Theater
| Open Poetry #35 |
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The Old Palace Theater |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296
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The little luncheonette is long and narrow not as big, as i remember this place to be it’s empty now, and could be somewhat cleaner the owner/waitress smiles while wiping out the pie case she doesn’t come to take my order but that’s ok… suppose she realizes i’m a stray just strolling in to get a feel of this place I can’t quit adjust to, not knowing anyone in town anymore… she smiles with enormous eyes, that occupy a room, only pies fit in… this place used to be a great theater on broad street another world, another expression where children threw pop corn 25 cents a bag, with a 10 cent soda and straws with which to blow spit balls i’m wondering what’s behind the wall where the behemoth screen used to be? remembering those big heavy red curtains which moved slowly back, to unveil the movie of the week and the hum of the projector from the back… i can still see millions of dust particles hovering around the mouth of the large lens that opened our world to a brand new vision…sprinkling us with a cartoon, the world news, and a high spirited clint eastwood movie…an entrance through a door… now… this luncheonette seems cold, dark & dreary although a liniment, recoils a question why did i come back? it’s snowing outside…and freezing, no passers by i wonder where all the other people in the world are right now…? i’ve forgotten my book, the one i started 3 weeks ago but… a glass of ice water keeps me company i notice tea food on the table i chose, upon entering a salve in a sort of soprano voice, as i lifted a now cup of tea to my mouth…tasting liquid silence and a sort of warming echo, well known but doesn’t visit near enough… my eyes ache for the myth of movies once shown here longing to hear the conversation between the owner/waitress and the cook… longing… and relearning neighbors…new ones, younger, who devote hours to discussing the weather outside, without quarrels remorse jabbing me in the side slightly, but there and sheets of memories, flowing almond eyed pages steaming with beauty…recognizing me with a smile comprehending truth… which closes it’s eyes and sets me free even though it’s noon, i light the candle on the table hoping that paralyzed avenues remember this once upon a time movie theater thank goodness, they never tore it down… and it’s now, desire to sleep on the old town’s postcards becomes a key, which maintains certainty of it’s existence and how I love to listen to that… what a nice quiet day…i think oh, here comes the owner/waitress, perhaps i’ll open the door to the pie room…. |
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| © Copyright 2005 Lee J. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
very nostalgic feel to this one LeeJ. Amazing when we go back to visit things from the past, and how much they change.  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
LeeJ You brought back many memories. Good morning sweet. And a morning  for you. |
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Goldenrose Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665 |
Lee a wonder of a poem..what images you brought..your skillful way of seeing it like seeing a movie..played out...this was a screen/film play waiting to be shot...you can almost see the veneer of peeling paint..not quite revealing the old paint underneath... that would have looked cheery and bright once upon a time...thanks for your latest master class... Goldenrose. Desire for nothing except desirelessness,hope for nothing except to rise above all hopes, want nothing and you will have everything.avatar Meher Baba. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Please do open that door... I want to read of all that is inside! |
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Juju Member Elite
since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429In your dreams |
(; -=Juju |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
What a walk through your thoughts.....quite enjoyed this nostaligic write, LeeJ. Been there myself, to the pie room.  ....jo |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
You need to write a novel, Lee. You can create scenes so well and fill them with such flavor...i could imagine you writing To Kill a Mockingbird or Peyton Place or something similar. This is wonderful work.... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
LeeJ It's strange to come back to a place you knew and find it completely different. I love the way you told this story...I was right there with you. Also, I agree with Balladeer! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
BRAVO!!!  you had me there, right from the beginning"she smiles with enormous eyes, that occupy a room, only pies fit in" that opening waitress scene, the PIE comment? PERFECT movie scripting, Lee! love this write! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Fantastic...and I mean it...one of your best...a pleasure to read...they recently shut down an old theatre over here and along with that...one of my favorite coffee shops...remembering their delicious steak and egg breakfast...all for redevelopment...James |
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HopeS Member Elite
since 2000-12-22
Posts 4596Perth Western Australia |
Lee , you took me right in that scene with you .... yet I do remember a theatre much the same with the red velvet curtains , I went back to England last year after being away for 35 years , yes I sww all those type of changes there too Hope |
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