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Old James Died Today
| Open Poetry #46 |
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Old James Died Today |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America 
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Old James lay down and died today; He died the way he lived his life, Without fanfare, trouble or strife, Just closed his eyes, went on his way. Old James was a different man; In school he was known as a fool, As hardheaded as an old mule, Did not care for lessons and plans. Old James walked a separate path; His thoughts were not of normal stuff, He did not play games that were rough, A gentle soul, he showed no wrath. When we went to college to learn; He fished on the bank of a creek, Hours passed and he did not speak, Life went on with little concern. Women were not on James' list; Was not enamored of their charms, There would be no girl on his arm, He did not pine for what he missed. The world left Old James quite alone; We pursued life's goals with delight, Laughed at Old James, what a sad sight, He was dull; look how we had grown. Old James went through life quite content; He smiled a lot, life was his toy, We never knew, he read Tolstoi, His world, not rigid like cement. Old James grew old as did we all; Eyes were dim but he had that smile, No pals he had, that was his style, Why, then did he make us feel small? We were winners, people of worth; Married and divorced more than twice, Modern were we, had paid the price, He was no different since his birth. I looked him up before his end; Something told me to speak to him, What he told me made my eyes brim, I loved life as it was, my good friend. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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| © Copyright 2010 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
On a more serious note-- the celebration of the ordinary life worth living is reflected here as in the tradition of one of my most favorite poets: Walt Whitman I say..."Yawp!" and a solemn nod to the passing of your friend, Old James. |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Of course James was a fictional friend, but a friend nonetheless, Serenity. Thank you very much for stopping by, your presence and comments lights up this part of the world. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
"I loved life as it was" There's much to be learned from those simple words. Thanks for sharing them. Peace. "We'll chase them like rats across the tundra." |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Thanks, Andrew. Although I knew a James in my hometown who was a character, and I wrote the poem using him as I needed to, everything here is fictional. Appreciate your continued support. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Prasad Nataraj Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149Bangalore,India |
Old James reminds every much of me, except for the softie part.  Appreciate the simple things and enjoying life as it comes. Nice mantra, Jerry.  "Hardwork pays in the long run" |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Old James knew how to go with the flow of his own inner comfort. Gotta give to him for that. Doesn't make his choice the right one for all but it lets us know we have to go with what life gives us. That last line is just great Jerry! Eric |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Prasad, I think loving life as it is is commendable. Myself? I fought life tooth and nail. What do I have to show for it? Not much. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
We all make our way through the days of our lives the best way that we can usually, Eric. James, and people like him have an inner peace most of us envy. To a point. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Eusta B. Mae Senior Member
since 2010-05-03
Posts 903 |
Jerry- I liked this very much... another piece from your box of chocolates. |
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Dark Stranger Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631West Coast |
JP..knew an old secret skin of a man up in big bear a few years ago...used an old harley motor to cut his fire wood..he cussed enough to keep others away, but I found him closer to God than most preachers..he was a gem of a jim...nice to see a few of them scattered around us..kewl stuff!! |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
ebm, that box of chocolates is dwindling, but every so often . . . Thank you very much. I used to go up to Big Bear back in the seventies with this female every so often, DS. I can see her face, but the name has been lost to me, wonder if mine has to her. I hear what you're saying about the old guy and the preacher. Yep. Sure do. Thanks for being here. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Jerry, we've all known an old James such as yours... and that you've honored such a life is a life, still, and respected, more. |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
I think you for your kind words, Sunshine. Have a pleasant weekend. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
Old James knows how to be content. I don`t think all of us would like to be like him all the time. But if his lifestyle makes him happy, who can argue with that. --- A well written piece. |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Nope, I wouldn't want that either, Earl, but, like you say if that's who they are, that's who they are. Thanks for being here. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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