navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #1 » The Statue in Central Park
Open Poetry #1
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Statue in Central Park Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 1999-07-29 02:33 PM


The statue stood in Central Park
Right in the middle of the square
And all the people passing there
Were held in awe at that great sight,
A symbol of man's strength and might
Was the statue in Central Park.

A full ten feet it stood upright
But, more amazing than its height,
Was power it seemed to posess;
Self-confidence, assuredness, And, people passing hour by hour,
Thought, "What I'd give to have that power!"

Occasionally in the dark
Quick footsteps rang in Central Park
And one could hear a chipping sound
As chunks of granite hit the ground
From strangers who had sought to gain
A piece of strength to ease their pain.

Relentlessly, they whittled down
That new-found source of strength they found
Till dust and pebbles now are all
Remaining of that figure tall.
Humanity has left its mark -
No statue stands in Central Park.

The statue's story is my own.
Instead of rock, I'm flesh and bone
But cousins, uncles, aunts and nieces
All have taken little pieces.
Searching for the strength to be,
They've all been chiseling away at me!

The statue in Central Park and I
Will go together, by and by.
The strength we had to stand alone,
(His of granite, mine of bone)
Defeated, crumpled on the ground
By 'friends' who finally brought us down.

I'll always be right here for you
But know that I have limits, too
And my advice is...please step back
When you see me begin to crack
For, though I seem to stand alone.
I, too, need statues of my own.

[This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 07-29-99).]

© Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Elizabeth
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
1 posted 1999-07-29 02:37 PM


Your talent is amazing! This poem speaks nothing but ther truth-we all begin to crack sometimes and need our own statues. I like the comparison, it's very unique.

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth (edited 07-29-99).]

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
2 posted 1999-07-29 02:47 PM


Elizabeth

DO NOT... I REPEAT... DO NOT ENCOURAGE THIS MAN TO WRITE MORE!!!

Geesh - how the hell can I post anything when he's writing stuff this good? We gotta chip away at this guy so we have a chance... Seriously though - I think this a GREAT poem.

Deer? Where do you GET these great ideas? I loved this piece.

Cinderella
Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 152
Arizona
3 posted 1999-07-29 02:49 PM


This one I like! Much talent my "DEER"
poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
4 posted 1999-07-29 03:02 PM


Wouldn't we all like to get in Balladeers bed, er, I mean Head ?? He has such originality, and yes, please write more...I'm eating them up like the starved poet that I am ! Works this great inspire me to better my own ....

------------------
- poet FemmeFatale

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone..." Henrik Ibsen (1826-1906) Norwegian dramatist lyric poet


Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
5 posted 1999-07-29 03:02 PM


Thank you all, ladies.

and, Long John, I've read your stuff. You take a back seat to NO ONE!

[This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 07-29-99).]

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
6 posted 1999-07-29 04:31 PM


Great poem!!! But don't tell LngJhnAg where you get your ideas... *G* Make him suffer, searching for his own! LOL
blueloon
Member
since 1999-07-07
Posts 161
NY
7 posted 1999-07-29 04:48 PM


I'm happy to know you've posted here,
As always it's nice to have you near.
With that, I must thank you Balladeer!
blueloon

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
8 posted 1999-07-29 04:54 PM


Deer - don't listen to that Suthern Belle - she's a bad girl!
guiltborn
Junior Member
since 1999-07-26
Posts 30
South Dakota
9 posted 1999-07-29 04:55 PM


your talent is something else balladeer, i and i guarantee many other poets on this board, envy your talent. A GREAT poem.
WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
10 posted 1999-07-29 05:05 PM


I have to agree with the above comments. It is original. Very good!!!
Wanted to say thanks for your comment!

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
11 posted 1999-07-29 05:09 PM


My pleasure, WhtDove. My thanks to all of you.
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
12 posted 1999-07-29 05:28 PM


Ah, beware the statue hunters
On a pedestal they would rest
This man, our dear Balladeer
One of the Passions' very best

He deserves the praise he gets
His work, quite masterful
But a granite statue he is not
Like us, he has a human soul

So do not place him all to high
He may have a fear of heights
Take only that which he offers
And be thankful for his sight



[This message has been edited by Andrew Scott (edited 07-29-99).]

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
13 posted 1999-07-29 05:39 PM


Ups! Sorry about the incorrect spelling. I didn't check before hitting send. Hope you can get past it.
Magic Bunny
Junior Member
since 1999-07-26
Posts 18

14 posted 1999-07-29 06:20 PM


You are a wonderful writer Balladeer! I love all your poems! Thanks for all the great poetry. Sometimes I wish I could write as good as you. Please write more and more. Bye!

------------------
The Magical Rainbow Bunny

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
15 posted 1999-07-29 09:26 PM


Thank you very much, Bunny.

I don't know, Andrew. There are people who would swear my head is made out of concrete. I thank you for the words....very much.

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
16 posted 1999-07-29 10:30 PM


I will build a fence around you
to keep you safe from harm
I will fend off the soul pickers
with head, with foot and arm.

No man of stone could ever
make our eyes fill with tears
so we will have to protect you
for many, many years.



Wonderful. You have such warmth and humanity in your work. I think we can see a person's true soul in their poetry! Thank you!

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
17 posted 1999-07-29 10:47 PM


My humble message to you all:


LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
18 posted 1999-07-30 09:25 AM


Though the statue's gone from Central Park,
And with it it's power, its still not dark.
For, though the icon yielded to its prey,
'Deer's soul remains a beacon to light the way.

Back to the top for this one - I need it a little longer (chip chip chip).

[This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (edited 07-30-99).]

[This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (edited 07-30-99).]

[This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (edited 07-30-99).]

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
19 posted 1999-07-30 09:40 AM


Your poems inspire and make me think,
The stuff I write...really stinks.
Your wisdom, thought and expertise,
Flow from your mind with so much ease?

But I'd consider changing your name,
I mean a name like "Bladder" won't bring ya fame?
Oh wait! It's not bladder...It's Balladeer!
Never mind, forget I was here....

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
20 posted 1999-07-30 09:54 AM


Toerag: That's tough to do, DEAR! LOL. Even if I do disagree with your assessment of your own poems!

Balladeer: The poem is superb.... and I like the responses it's generating! But if LJA is gonna chip away, make sure a chunk or two bruises his toes! *G*

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
21 posted 1999-07-30 09:57 AM


Poet de vine....You can see my true soul in my poetry?.....Oh God, I guess I better do some real soul searching hadn't I?....LOL
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
22 posted 1999-07-30 10:16 AM


LOL......Toerag, you are funny!

I saw your soul in your poetry
what I saw really scared me!
There are fish stick, candy corn
a graham cracker, an old french horn
and in a corner, waiting to jell
a bit of a poem, that's gonna be swell!



Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
23 posted 1999-07-30 10:40 AM


Where did you people COME from? Whereever it is, I'm glad you're here..a very, very welcome addition to the group! (Is Happy Acres missing a few,er, boarders?)

Toerag'

Call me bladder? You've got gall!
You insolent little pup!!
Re-arrange your letters to spell garote
The way you choke me up!!!

Long John.......you da man!

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
24 posted 1999-07-30 10:46 AM


Balladeer: Just don't send us back... 'kay? LOL
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
25 posted 1999-07-30 10:52 AM


Balladeer...another supreme piece of work. You are a master story teller and your stories tell well. Again.....ah, but you already know what I'm going to say here...

------------------
"Nobody has measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold" ~Zelda Fitzgerald

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
26 posted 1999-07-30 11:32 AM


Yes they threw us outta Happy Acres,
It's a pleasure we landed here.
They figured we were fakers,
And they didn't want us near.

Now they let us keep our coloring books,
Our crayons and gowns and pills,
And said to save our money,
Cuz they expect to send us bills.

Now LongJohn wasn't crazy,
Just "strange" to say the least,
He promised not to direct traffic
So they agreed to his release.

Now I never shoulda been there,
I'm as sane as sane can be?
It was probably just a reaction,
To those drugs in '73.

Now they gave us medication,
to make us feel 'okay'
They kinda make us "happy"
And get us through the day.

Now they're not those little "vitamins"
And definitely not Viagra,
I mean you can tell I'm normal?
Can't ya? Can't ya? Can't ya?

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
27 posted 1999-07-30 11:39 AM


Toerag: I'm glad we've found a welcome here... it's Happy Acres' loss! LOL (Now if you could just pass a few of those pills this way, oh normal one? *G*)
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
28 posted 1999-07-30 11:50 AM


Forget the TOERAG - GAROTE, too.
The only choice, it seems,
Appropriate is UNCLE,
That's what you make me scream!

Suthrn...just try to leave. Just try it!

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
29 posted 1999-07-30 12:13 PM


Hey, Toerag & LongJohn! If you guys ever go back to that fun farm, say hello to Mr. Haney and Arnold the Pig for me. What ya mean "Green Acres?"
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
30 posted 1999-07-30 12:49 PM


Balladeer: Thank you! The welcomes are appreciated... *G* I truly believe we're gonna love this place!

But don't think crying Uncle is gonna slow Toe and LJA down! LOL

Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
31 posted 2005-06-06 02:25 AM


A very kewl story Mike, I really enjoyed it.  I am getting darn dusty in here trying to find that one about was it a piano player in the bar   Some help would be greatly appreciated like a link?
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
32 posted 2005-06-06 02:21 PM


/pip/Forum20/HTML/000585.html

You be careful in there, you hear? Lotsa dust mites in the archive cellar

Thank you for the tiptoe through the past..

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
33 posted 2008-07-30 05:28 AM


Loving this one. AND understanding. "Late"
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #1 » The Statue in Central Park

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary