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Open Poetry #36
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Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands

0 posted 2005-10-08 08:26 PM


Going through my USA photographs, I stumbled upon The Raven, the pet bird of Charles Dickenson. It's been three years now that Denise (who works at the Philadelphia City Library) got special permission to show us (Nan, Liz and me) this stuffed bird, that's kept behind closed doors, not open for public.
I'm still grateful for this wonderful gift.

That inspired me to write my story in the form (more or less) as the original 'The Raven' was written by Edgar Allen Poe


     

Once upon the month September, it was warm as I remember
I was travelling through the country which I hadn't done before
I was looking out the window of a train I had been in though
And was listening to some music, with my bags stacked on the floor
All the passengers were sleeping, snoring sounds were heard galore
Only this, and nothing more

On my way to the big city, Philadelphia, very pretty
I remember from the old times, that I had been there before
I was meeting some dear poet, big surprise, she had to show it
In the area, closed to public, we went up to the fifth floor
In the library of this city, she just opened one big door
Only that, and nothing more

Silence reigned in this here study, all cleaned up, not even muddy
And the walls, they were all covered, from the ceiling to the floor
With the books of famous writer, Dickinson could not be brighter
Desk and chair, his pen and ink pot, there was so much to explore
That alone was overwhelming, but she went through one more door
Going through, and nothing more

In the hallway on a table, all stuffed up and with a label
Which was telling that this black bird, had been owned by Charles before
He was standing there quite proudly, though he once murmured not loudly
After gently rapping, tapping, softly on Poe's chamber door,
As an echo on Poe's whispered, only spoken word 'Lenore'
Merely this, and nothing more

It was special and impressive, even quite a bit excessive
That I had the chance to glance, at this pet which I adore
It is kept in good condition, it's a raven with a mission
From a time that life was diff'rent, which will not return, no more
I can tell you that my jaw, almost lowered to the floor
Only that, and nothing more



Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

[This message has been edited by Titia Geertman (10-09-2005 05:34 AM).]

© Copyright 2005 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved
Nightshade
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just out of reach
1 posted 2005-10-08 09:11 PM


This is an entertaining and interesting write Titia. Much enjoyed. hugs, Chris

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
~Carl Sandburg

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
2 posted 2005-10-08 09:47 PM


Oh, Titia, This is wonderful! I will always remember that day! I know the poetess you speak of. Her name is Denise, but I wou't reveal who it is, I promise.
Your poem is perfect Poe-etry in rhyme snd meter! Good work
Liz

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2005-10-08 09:58 PM


Excellent writing here Titia!
Love the photo as well.
Very much enjoyed.
Hugs~Nancy

~Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.~

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
4 posted 2005-10-08 10:21 PM


We DID have fun, didn't we?  I was blessed to have shared that train ride with you... and as I recall, you were gathering up some fishing partners, weren't you?  Since we didn't let you fish much on Cape Cod...



The Raven was a WONDROUS surprise from Denise - She was the hostess with the mostest that day...

Thanks for the great poem - and the great time...


Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
5 posted 2005-10-09 10:34 AM


Titia~
Not only is the photo a great share .... your Poe-like penning is a poetic delight~

I can well imagine that our Denise will think so too~

You rock girlie~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*No matter what I search for ...
let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))><

Email - noles1@totcon.com

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
6 posted 2005-10-09 12:38 PM


Titia, you always bring a smile to my face! Your posts are always so varied and entertaining! Your Poe-tic poem was a treat to read ~ and the photo of Poe's raven a treat to behold!

Sounds like a wonderful time had been had by all! ~ and "Thank you for sharing!"

Sending you a big, warm hug!
Linda

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
7 posted 2005-10-10 01:56 AM


Chris - thanks

Liz - I often think back at the time we spend and looking at the photos I realize what a lucky lady I've been to've met you.

Nancy - thanks

Nan - I'll never forget the time spend with you and guess what: your car still haunts me in my dreams sometimes

Marge - sweet grandma poetess, the memory of you will never fade.

Linda - thanks for the compliment and yes, we had a wonderful time, can't believe it's been three years already.

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
8 posted 2005-10-10 11:01 AM



I'm taking the liberty of a
Cause this simply needs MORE reads~

I'm spellbound by you dearest Titia~

LOVE YOU~
Foreverly and everly~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*No matter what I search for ...
let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))><

Email - noles1@totcon.com

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
9 posted 2005-10-10 11:51 AM


I loved it...picture and  poem Titia...
I was  born in Baltimore( the  football team is called The Ravens) and  went to a wedding reception years ago  in the catacombs where Edgar A. Poe is buried.

one of my first learned poems was his...

thank you for the memories...

hugs
M

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
10 posted 2005-10-10 06:48 PM


Titia...Love the poem and the photo....I'm sure you had a great time!!  Wish I had been there with you.  
SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
11 posted 2005-10-10 08:19 PM


This is wonderful, Titia. Thank you for sharing it. Wish I could have gone to the poets meet and met all of you.
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

12 posted 2005-10-10 08:38 PM


Great job, Titia! You captured that day perfectly!

I can't believe it's been three years already. It really seems like yesterday, doesn't it? A lot has happened since then, though. I got a promotion and I'm now at the Fire Department. But if you come back to visit Philadelphia, I can still get you in to see the Raven again!

yv
Senior Member
since 2003-05-30
Posts 574

13 posted 2005-10-10 09:26 PM


What a lovely play on Poe's classic.  What an enchanting way to allow the reader to revisit this classic...and it's own sense...encapsulate a classicness all it's own!  Lovely write!

Yv~Seeing eternal Sunshine
Still shrouded in blinding Darkness

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
14 posted 2005-10-10 10:11 PM


Hello Titia ... I can't believe 3 years have passed since we rode around Falmouth in Nan's car. We stopped in a bar for a drink and then walked along the beach!!

I miss you and think often of that wonderful day. If you visit the US again, I would love to have you come to New Hampshire and see my mountains.

Love to you and Muys ... Marti

Living simply and calmly in the mountains!

Trillium
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since 2001-03-09
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Idaho, USA
15 posted 2005-10-10 10:22 PM


Dear Titia:  This is marvelous!  You are so talented.  I loved reading this.

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Betty
Senior Member
since 2002-08-13
Posts 1159
Virginia
16 posted 2005-10-10 10:40 PM


This was great reading. I like the way you did it & the picture is wonderful
Betty

Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
17 posted 2005-10-11 12:11 PM


Titia,

This is wonderful...You're so cute!!!  It sounds like you ladies had a wonderful time!!!!

Take Care!!!
HUGS,
Bridgette


"Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again.  To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." A. Brink


suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
18 posted 2005-10-11 03:50 PM


I wish I'd been there... but through your talent... I am. *S* Great pic and poem!!
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
19 posted 2005-10-12 03:51 AM


This is wonderful, Titia!  Thanks for sharing.   ....jo
Isobel
Senior Member
since 2004-01-17
Posts 529
Qld, Australia
20 posted 2005-10-12 07:00 AM


Dear Titia

I absolutely enjoyed your verse!  You have a wonderful poetic talent!

Isobel


Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
21 posted 2005-10-13 10:45 PM


Sitting here within my boredom, I glanced through the Passion forums
Looking for a piece of poetry I could adore.
As I went through several pages, reading PIPTalk's favorite sages
Poems of how sweet passion rages
Burning lovers to the core
I discovered Titia's newest poem and nothing more.

So at once I started reading, hoping for what I'd been needing
Something that would lift my spirits up from off the floor.
As I read each clever word about  a stuffed and long-dead bird
I thought the whole thing was absurd
A dead bird poem would be a bore
Just a bore and nothing more.

As I read, though, I could feel her sincerity was real
And her words came to me like a wave comes to the shore.
The raven's world became my own to fight what I could not condone
No longer was I all alone
The raven, stately bird of yore,
Would be my friend forevermore.

Thank you, Dutchie, for your gift which gave my life a needed lift
And showed me there is beauty in whatever we look for.
Beauty never has an end and, thanks to you, my special friend,
Your written words will always send
Pure pleasure I will not ignore
And we'll be friends - forevermore.

Angelheart
Senior Member
since 2005-09-08
Posts 754
Jacksonville,FL USA
22 posted 2005-10-13 10:58 PM


this was a delight to read, and this is a good picture of the bird in the picture, Full of emotion, and you got right at the point very well. thanks for sharing.   Keep up the good poetry.

Poetry can get you very far
-Laura

Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
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British Columbia, Canada
23 posted 2005-10-13 11:17 PM


Great job of this Titia, and a wonderful reminder of the wonderful friendships made and held close to heart here. Take care of you and yours.
Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
24 posted 2005-10-13 11:37 PM


Maureen, thank you my friend, it was such a pleasure to've met you.

Martie, we did have a great time and I've made friends for life.

Sue, wished I could've met you too dear friend.

Denise, you don't know how much pleasure you gave us that day with your beautiful gift and be sure that if ever I would come back to the States, I'll come visit you again.

yv, thanks

Marti, I'll never forget our laughs at that bar, when we waited for Nan and our little stroll on the Falmouth beach in incoming mist wich made us all wet. We shared beautiful moments.

Trillium, thanks for your lovely words.

Betty, thanks

Justbleu, thanks and yes it was very special to meet so many dear poets.

Suthern, I know you were with us in spirit.

Iliana, thanks

Isobel, thanks for the compliment

Balladeer, my dear friend, it was such a pleasure to read your reply and I'm glad I wiped boredom of your mind. Great verse you wrote and yes, you will remain my special friend forevermore.

Angelheart, thanks for your kind words.

Sharon, thanks dear friend, the friendships made are truly very special and kept close to heart. You're a wonderful lady.

Dear friends, the pleasure was all mine.

Titia


Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Muys
Member
since 2002-04-06
Posts 389
The Netherlands
25 posted 2005-10-15 09:52 AM


Magnificent Titia
I am so proud of you  
and I Love you
Your Mom

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