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Doctor Ben McGee
| Open Poetry #1 |
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Doctor Ben McGee |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs, Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things But they hold their hat to the U.S. flag and Lady Liberty And, on rainy nights, they sing the praise of Dr. Ben McGee. The doctor was a common man, which made him something rare. No Cadillacs, no eight room house, no high or fancy air; Just a simple man to understand the needs of men was he Yet no hallowed saint was revered more than Dr. Ben McGee. They recall the night in '52 when Grayson's youngest, Jill Came down with pain that tortured her with fever and with chilling Cold that racked her frail body as she moaned in agony And would have died had it not been for Dr. Ben McGee. Within a wink the town had gathered 'round that little house, Peering through the windows along with Grayson and his spouse. They saw young Jill lie pale and still within her agony And, at the bed, they saw the head of Dr. Ben McGee. Upon arrival, he'd made, with a flair they'd never seen A sign he posted on the door that spelled out QUARANTINE. "You folks just wait outside", he'd said, "and put your faith in me" "This is a case", he smiled, "for God and Dr. Ben McGee." The townfolk all looked in as he examined her with care, Their mouths formed little "o"'s because they saw a furious glare Transfix itself upon the features of their Dr. Ben; He gave a yell to waken Hell and clenched his teeth and then ..... He grabbed every potion he had in his case While wiping the forehead of Jill's fevered face And bellowed at Satan to die in last place And, with something like voodoo ... He rattled and shook and got down on his knees While screaming and cursing at that damned disease And the rafters were shaking like leaves in the breeze By the time that he got through. Three days and nights they watched him as he worked at fever pace, Beads of sweat cascading freely down his weary face And, just when they had thought he'd reached the end of Life's short line, He stepped out and, with trembling hand, tore down the wretched sign. "You saved her life", old Grayson told him at the bedroom door, "But we don't have much 'cause we're broke. We always been dirt poor." Ben looked from Grayson to the bed where his young daughter lay And smiled at him and said, "Forget it, Grayson. I've been paid." "I'm going to an empty house - one set of silverware, And here you got a lovely wife and family who cares. Don't ever let a lack of money cause you any grievin' Have me over to eat sometime and we can call it even." They don't have many heroes in the town of Willow Springs And bells don't toll for many, nor do herald angels sing, But three statues stand in Central Park for all the world to see - George Washington and Harry S. and Dr. Ben McGee. |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Christina Myers Member
since 1999-06-21
Posts 159 |
a lovely poem that captured the spirit of Simon & Garfunkel's Richard Cory.. albeit in a different form  I was really there in the spirit of the poem- could see the farmer, the townsfolk... excellent. "newbie" Christina |
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Krystal Member
since 1999-06-19
Posts 140Shelton,WA USA |
I wonder how you do it... and everyone's right, you should be published, if you haven't been already! You are very talented, and imaginative. Your poetry reaches out to touch the stories in all of us... and it always touches me. ------------------ Shannon D. Montgomery ("Krystal") |
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Craig Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 444 |
Is there any chance that you could do me the kindness of adding 'another classic Poem from the Master keep it up' when you post any future entries it'll save my fingers and sanity. By the way another classic poem from the Master keep it up. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Being from a very small town in Michigan, I can relate to this....I agree with Craig.. I've run out of superlatives....my pool is filled if you'd like to come over and walk on water! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Please, please, please try to imagine how much I appreciate these comments - and then multiply that by ten and you may come close. Thank you all! |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Why lookey here what I have found buried in the dust. A piece of Sir Balladeer's treasury that's seemed to have gotten lost. The dust now removed it shall be placed upon the mantle, as where this masterpiece belongs. |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Another excellent job! You are just so gifted, it really does leave me in awe! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
We had a doctor who still made housecalls when it wasn't the "proper thing to do." Thank God for him. Thank God for YOU. ------------------ Sunshine Words will always express our feelings true. ~~~ KRJ Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Sue Member
since 1999-08-04
Posts 383France |
Balladeer, you should be rich and famous! You deserve far more than our poor accolades. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Hey - I don't see my name on any of these postings..... I'm feeling left out here...... Know what, Balladeer, You wrote a pretty darned good poem here.... In case you didnt' know..... |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I remember you reciting this one aloud, and really wish you would re-post some of your "story poems" for the new crowd to read. There aren't any good stories like this anymore. Thank goodness for the dusty, ole archives. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Doing what I can to follow Mysteria's advice and trying to get these jewels back to the top. "late" |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you. miss, for digging up these reminders that I used to write. Better Late Arrival than never  |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Many years have passed but your words still stand up proud. Up she goes once again.Best to you, Jo |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
No reason why this cannot be boasted once again so those who have not read you will know the Deer" " still holds a place even thought he has been quiet for a time. best to you, JO |
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