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Open Poetry #41
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Norman Mailer and My Father
| Open Poetry #41 |
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Norman Mailer and My Father |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California 
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He looks like my father, The Writer, before I was born and he turned into Daddy. His dark, curly hair holds an expression of disdain, as if somehow he passed right by any innocent notion of kindness. A somber photo hangs on the wall beside my bed; in those eyes are secrets that I wonder about as I realize that I didn’t know him, not that dad that dreamed of being famous, of being like Mailer. Something in him was too fragile to take the sword of words and live with it. If I finish reading this obituary notice in the Los Angeles Times, I may know Norman better than him. Wouldn’t that be sad? [This message has been edited by Martie (11-13-2007 10:31 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
wow...wow....wow! That's the best way to describe this one. I could write for as hour what I get from this poem. Great work, miss  |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
"...in those eyes are secrets that I wonder..." I see my dad in the mirror everyday and though he's still living I would never know if he was or wasn't. I have found out more from the Census than I ever could have gotten from him. (you know, the disowned thing) Haven't talked with him for ten years or so now. (I don't believe he's ever called me once) The last thing he ever said to me was; "...the Bible says I'm supposed to love you." You know how that went over. Strange to have a removed family. Not the best recall... dale |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thanks, Deer...a wow from you is....hmmm, wow! Dale...My father has been dead for 27 years. It surprised me when I saw how much he looked like the picture of the young Mailer in the paper. The obituary was three pages...that doesn't happen often and certainly didn't for my father. I'm sorry if I brought back something sad. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Yes it would be sad...but if we love and embrace our family and friends in our current relationships we have done our part...James |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
This brought back wonderful memories for me... When dad wore a jaunty hat, he looked like Bing Crosby. When he was in his cowboy gear, he reminded me of Gary Cooper. And when he danced with mother, he had the grace of Gene Kelly... or so I saw from the eyes of a child. Thank you, Sissie... |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
quote: exactly what I realize of my own father ... there was a time I wondered so much and asked everybody who had known him what he was like ... As usual you offer a very intense write, causing memories to surface as if it was written for each of us. Love, dear Poetess! Margherita |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Martie This is a wonderful - sadly beautiful - poem. I am saving it - it touches me in ways that are hard to describe. I agree -- Wow! Alison |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Martie, you are a poetess, through and through. My father resembled the actor Fred MacMurray (the father on My Three Sons ~ as well as Superman (the original)! He was such a mix of the two. ~ and he was a "super" "father" in more ways, than one.  Lovely penning.  Linda [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (11-14-2007 09:20 AM).] |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
Not sad Martie, just a wish... I'll send a 'lil history update with "the letter" in reference to this poem. Hopefully today... best friends best finds... dale |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
"His dark, curly hair holds an expression of disdain, as if somehow he passed right by any innocent notion of kindness." Oh my, but I think I know that photo. Personal writes such as this always pique my interest. What a portrait comparison to hold close to your heart! |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
good read |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
MartieSis~ A delight to read this lovely~ *Huglets* ~*Me ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thanks so much for the replies. I relaized on reading this poem again that I made a pretty big mistake here: His dark, curly hair holds an expression of disdain, as if somehow he passed right by any innocent notion of kindness Now everyone knows that hair can not have an expression of disdain...right? It's too late to edit so just let me say here that this is how it should be: His dark curly hair framed a face .... Funny what you don't notice and then do. |
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shirtless Member
since 2006-04-29
Posts 359 |
I just wanted to say that I am really impressed with the emotional power of this poem. please visit my new website http://anthonyarmstrong.ca |
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shirtless Member
since 2006-04-29
Posts 359 |
I just wanted to say that I am really impressed with the emotional power of this poem. please visit my new website http://anthonyarmstrong.ca |
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Robert Frazier Senior Member
since 2003-02-06
Posts 1014 |
words squeeze the heart...beautifully written, sadly taken. H, Robert |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Heck I just thought you "dangled" your participle or somethin.  |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Beautifully written indeed  ARCTIC WIND |
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