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The Tale of the Wandering Man
| Open Poetry #1 |
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The Tale of the Wandering Man |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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Within the eerie shadows of a tiny, crackling fire A small man sat, whose services did no one care to hire. Knowing not a useful trade, caring not of being paid, With crumpled cigarette he laid beside his man-made pyre. As wind and rain would feast upon the man's bedraggled clothes He poured out to the hills and woods his troubles and his woes. "Why have I no friends to greet? Clothes to wear? Food to eat? Why does the frost slide 'neath my feet And nibble at my toes? "Why must I travel aimlessly with no one place to go? Why must I walk in field and stream and sleep in mud and snow? Hear me now, you God above, sing to me that song of love. Let me see that ivory dove And not this blackened crow!" "Be quiet!", a voice boomed from the stillness of the night. "Let me not be a witness to your anger and your fright. I have heard your words of grief, heard you cry out for relief, Now LISTEN to me. I'll be brief And let you see the light." Within the glow of campfire light the stately stranger stood. His clothes were threadbare, chest stuck out, with face made out of wood But, staring there upon that face, one could see a somber trace Of quiet, dignity, poise and grace And knowledge more than good. "Ten thousand years ago today, I then began my life And thus began my agony, my torture and my strife. I drank from a chemist's pot brew so evil, strong and hot That I, through my error, got Eternal, lasting life." "You smile, I see, no matter for the words I say are true. I know, by looks, I seem to be a hobo just like you But I am forced here to remain, free of death and mortal pain With hopes to die but all in vain And nothing can I do." "I have seen the vikings and King Arthur's mighty reign. I have seen the bodies fall on Lexington terrain. I have seen so many thing - knights, crusades and lords and kings, I've seen war and what it brings - Destruction, death and pain." "Why, though", said the hobo, "do you wish to stop and die? Why is there no happiness or gladness in your eye? Why of sadness do you speak? Why no pleasures do you seek? Why your thoughts of life so bleak? Why do you Earth deny?" "I have seen humility replaced by lust and greed. I have seen philosophers learn shame toward their creed. I have seen monstrocities, mingled with atrocities, Taught in universities In the name of human need!" "Earth is slowly dying like the echo of a bell And those who feel the pressure mount can understand me well. Men of stature once had tried to save the world, but were denied Now man will not be satisfied 'Til he blows himself to Hell!!" With those last words, the stranger turned and walked into the night. Upon the railroad tracks he stood, before a blinding light. The train came roaring down the track and, with a loud, resounding WHACK! Hit the stranger in the back Then continued out of sight. The hobo looked and there he saw the stranger standing high. A lost expression on his face and sadness in his eye. The hobo then began to cry..the tears came streaming from his eyes And, to his grief and sad surprise. He didn't know just why. |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Exceptional |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
"Meet Joe Black" on a different level. Wonderful. |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
I for one, would not wish to see the whole of humanity slip into that last good-night, nor bare witness to the final degradation that will be the legacy of our kind to this world. History in the long-view is a good indicator of the future, and ten thousand years can produce a pretty dim view. As always, your insight provokes great work. ----- Thanks for your read and response on the "Crossroads" peice and "A Soldier's Life" |
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Krystal Member
since 1999-06-19
Posts 140Shelton,WA USA |
I must tell you again, you are SO talented!!! I loved this, as I love all the works that you post here. Beautifully written... ------------------ Shannon D. Montgomery ("Krystal") |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Your works are quite delightful, I now come home from work and look forward to reading one of your pieces. |
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Soleil Member
since 1999-06-12
Posts 113 |
Stupendous |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I thank you all SO much! Lost Dreamer, you're gonna force me to keep writing! |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
I sure hope so! |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
What could I possibly tell you that I haven't already? You bring words to life with your beautiful imagery. It seems each piece I read takes me deeper and deeper in... If one day I become a writer remotely as good as you are...I would truly be blessed. |
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Fred Hobbs Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329Tallahassee, Florida, US |
Balladeer, You are probably the most talented and prolific poet that I'm personally aware of. This is certainly one of your best. sandman |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Sally, I'm the one who is blessed...by having you as a friend. And Fred, coming from someone whose talent I respect immensely, your words mean a lot. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
It has taken me some time to write a response to this poem, so deeply has it affected me. I sometimes feel, as the immortal does, that we are doomed to escort ourselves to hell's gate. There is a senselessness in our lives, Balladeer you seem to put a bright light on that subject and bare our souls for us! This is a tremendous work of art. I have a request. Could you post a clinker? A poem that stinks? A total disaster? Please post what you consider your 'worst' poem. (it's probably better than all mine put together, but I'm willing to take the risk)....please.....I'm begging you on my knees...ok..all right, so you don't have any.. I understand. Will you do ONE thing for me? Would you e-mail one of your poems to Oprah Winfrey and ask her to put you on her show - you will be the next Sandburg..the next Shelley..the next Byron..the next Emily Dickinson (ok, so you'd have to wear a dress)... My point - perfection is just another word for Balladeer! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Poet deVine, I tried Oprah but she was busy. Jerry Springer said he could fit me in, though. Thank you for your wonderful words. Beauty, and talent, are in the eyes of the beholder and I am beholden to have such great people to write for. Thank you. |
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Fred Hobbs Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329Tallahassee, Florida, US |
This one just NEEDS to go back to the top. It's one of the best I've read and it belongs there. Thanks again Balladeer sandman |
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Ohme Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816Texas |
And I may deside why the tear? This poems gave me the facts and then asked me to think, So I did. And I think it was a great poem. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Ohme, for wanting to ask. The reason for the tear was because the stranger had everything in life one could ask for, especially everlasting life. Just imagine how many people would love the thought of never dying! And yet, with this gift, the stranger only wanted to die.It sort of makes you wonder - what's it all about? I felt this same way the first time I heard that Ernest Hemingway had committed suicide. He had everything I would love to have...wealth, fame, incredible writing ability, world-wide recognition...and yet he killed himself. I felt an inmeasurable sadness at that because, if everything I dreamed for could not bring him happiness, perhaps it would not bring me happiness, either and there really were no important things in life to reach for. I don't know if I expressed this well enough for you but those were my thoughts. Thank you very much for asking. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ INCREDIBLE ! *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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