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Open Poetry #47
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Life's Lessons
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Life's Lessons |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America 
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life I have discovered is much like footprints on the beach only to be sluiced into nonexistence by the years this is the reason we try to make our mark to be remembered long after we are gone especially those in the arts we're desperate to cause just such a commotion look at me! Look at me! LOOK AT ME! . . . live and learn heard that all my life didn't mean diddly squat until I found myself old (haven't figured out how that happen to this day) so we live and learn leastwise those who breathe the air long enough do I've learned indeed I have I've learned the biggest has-been's are yesterday's gods I've figured that out all on my own I think I've learned that blood red lips eyes to get lost in and long, long, tapered legs run a close race to processed gold for men to make damn fools of themselves I've learned that poetry doesn't actually have to be composed and read in tea houses poetry is riding gritty city buses in the wee hours of the morning I've learned that stopping at highway rest stops in the midnight hour can be fraught with unwanted attention as you are trying to relieve yourself I've learned that busted lips cracked teeth and swollen testicles can remedy that forthwith I have decided violence has no place in this world (except for the lonely midnight hour rest stops of America) I have learned politicians are the Jesse James' of the modern era I have learned a lot but one thing stands out above all I have learned that to be free of demons you must stand toe to toe to them look straight into their eyes don't blink and grin 'em down ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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| © Copyright 2011 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
Jerry, grinning down your demons, is that anything like whistling in the dark? I think there are those for whom the hard side of life tempers them and makes them stronger (like you) and then there are others that the hard times just take their toll. Lori |
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faithmairee Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441Poe Haven, USA |
JerryPat-There are so many great lines in this one it's too difficult to pick a favorite one. I absolutely love your poem...it's unique, full of truth and very genuine. Excellent work, JerryPat! Faith There must be a poem in here somewhere. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Yep, demons are afraid of people who grin! Smiles - not that I think you are a demon - note I said "smiles", not "grins"! Owl |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
It is difficult to confront those demons, Lori, grinning or not. Took me more years to remember before I was able to laugh at them, therefore disabling them. Thanks for being here. <><><> Love your comments, Faith, and I am grateful that you find my poetical endeavors to your liking. Thank you. <><><> Owl, I'll take that smile anytime, anywhere, and give you one back. Appreciate you being here. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
I have learned over the years that the best way to handle demons is to never invite my mother-in-law to the party....  ....sorry 'bout that...(he grins slyly, as if to offer an apology)...btw, good write...enjoyed |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Love the mother-in-law joke(?). Can't be enough of them. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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s1nfully_1nn0c3nt Senior Member
since 2003-10-26
Posts 1105Watertown, NY |
Well you just go on with your grinning bad self!  Enjoyed.-Trina |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Ha! Thanks Trina. Bad is as bad does. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
"I have learned that to be free of demons you must stand toe to toe to them look straight into their eyes don't blink and grin 'em down" What a valuable lesson to learn and certainly better late than never. Helen |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Haha! Yeah, as they say you're never too late to learn. Thank you for being here. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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SarahJoyScott Junior Member
since 2011-01-13
Posts 16Finland |
I think there is alot of truth in this. I can relate, and I think many people can. It's obstacles in life everyone needs to deal with. Young and old. |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Good morning, SarahJoyScott. Like someone told me about this poem. With some changes in names, it's also ALL of us. II think she is correct. thank you for stopping bay and reading and commenting, it is appreciated. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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Spiros Zafiris Senior Member
since 2002-10-20
Posts 982Canada |
..yep, stare them down and they vanish; don't even need to smile..enjoyed the poem..>>spiros |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Yep, reminds me of the old joke of the preacher in a gospel tent and he was Bible thumping really loud when in through the door at the back came the Devil. The preacher's eyes bugged out and he dropped the Bible and crawled out under the tent flaps and ran. So did all the rest of the crowd when they saw who it was, all were terrified and ran!! Except, (there's always an 'except' isn't there?) one old man who was sitting up at the front. The Devil approached him and said, "Do you know who I am?!" Old man said, "yep." "Do you know what I can do to you!!?" Devil continued. Old man said, "yep." "Then why are you not afraid of me!!?" boomed the devil. "Why should I be afraid of you," the old man answered, "I've been married to your sister for fifty years!!!" Forget the Psychiatrists they just find out all about you and sell you back to yourself! |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
I agree, Spiros, there is nothing in the world that can get you the results a well-placed stare can get you. Thanks for the read. <><><> Hah! A lot of THAT going round these days, Eric. Thanks for the chuckle. ~ Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. ~ |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A pleasure to read...James |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Thank you, James. ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
We who hurt ourselves, forget we are the one pushing the buttoms, because we are the ones who know where and what they are. So just disconnect them. LOL Good write.latearrival |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
I understand, latearrival, but sometimes knowing and being able to push those buttons are entirely two different things. ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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