»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #3
»
The Honky Tonk Piano Man From Memphis, Tennessee
| Open Poetry #3 |
|
The Honky Tonk Piano Man From Memphis, Tennessee |
|
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
|
I wound up in that little town just by pure chance that night, A tiny spot down Dixie way where folks still treat you right. I emptied out the camper of the products that I sell Then settled for a night's sleep in a nondescript motel. While finishing my toiletries, I thought I would, instead Go down to have a nice cold beer before I went to bed. I got directions from the clerk to find the local bar, Deciding I would walk there since it wasn't very far. When I was still a block away, I heard a wonderous sound That sent my spirits skyward and then gently brought them down. Piano chords, the likes of which I hadn't heard in years Were flowing from that tavern with its buck-a-bottle beers. Piano was my passion. I had studied with the best But, in the end, I lacked the skills to pass the final test. My passions did not dwindle, though. I still smiled with delight Whenever I heard sounds produced such as the ones that night. I entered through the side door and I mingled with the crowd. Inside the music seemed to be ridiculously loud. As I had passed the doorway, there had been a small marquee, THE HONKY TONK PIANO MAN FROM MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. Two guitar pickers were on stage - a fiddle player, too, A drummer so darned small he almost disappeared from view, And, right up front at center stage, for all the crowd to see... The honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee. His fingers flew like lightning, gliding up and down the keys. The toughest hand manipulations he performed with ease And, all the while, a big smile grew and shot from ear to ear. He waved out to the rowdy crowd and chuckled at their cheer. I sat, in abject fascination, watching as he played, My senses overloaded at the talent he displayed. Yet he performed as though it were a simple thing to do. My head was getting dizzy at the way his fingers flew. Then, as I watched, it hit me. I had seen those hands before! Performing off in London - Copenhagen - Singapore! This man had been the great pianist Johnathon LeGree, This honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee. LeGree had been the best there was, receiving great acclaim. His destiny had been assured, as had his wealth and fame. But then, one day, he walked away and disappeared from sight To show up in this tavern playing honky tonk at night. The evening show now ended and I saw him in the crowd. They clapped his back and mussed his hair and called his name out loud. A waitress handed him a box of chicken - southern fried. I hurried to catch up to him and followed him outside. He sauntered to a pick-up truck. I called, "Mr. Legree!" He smiled and said, "I see my past is catching up with me. You wonder what I'm doing here - why I am not the rage Of Europe and America, up there on center stage." "Well, yes", I stammered nervously. "I mean, you had it all. Your star rose like a meteor and then you let it fall. How could you let it slip away is what I can't digest. Of all the masters of the keys, you were considered best." "I had it all? I still do, son." He smiled quite happily. "I've got my truck. I've got my friends and got my family. I've got my music every night to keep me nice and warm. I love to play piano. I just don't like to perform." "So tell the tails and bluehairs that old Johnny says hello. I'd like to keep on talking but I really have to go. The chicken's getting cold. My wife is waiting up, you see, But, friend," he smiled, "I thank you much for recognizing me." With those last words he smiled and climbed up in his pick-up truck And, as he pulled away, I heard him say he wished me luck. I watched the best pianist in the world drive round the bend And, as the headlights disappeared, I said, "You, too, my friend." I do get asked quite frequently who I think is the best Of all the great pianists, who is better than the rest. They always think I'm joking when I answer, smilingly, A honky tonk piano man in Memphis, Tennessee. |
||
| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You know, M&M - I truly enjoy your witty ditty's and seeing you go bag Toerag - and vice, versa...... But I really love seeing you write seriously. You always have a wonderful story that brings home an equally relevant lesson for living......  Awesome work, Deer |
||
|
Julie Senior Member
since 1999-08-20
Posts 739Houston, TX |
BRAVO! BRAVO! Balladeer. This was wonderful! Couldn't resist....I have a question...on the fourth line I believe you may have a typo? Is it..."settling down for a night's sleep" or nice sheep..."in a nondescript motel? Just couldn't pass that one up... |
||
|
Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Bravo! |
||
|
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Ditto Nan's statement, Balladeer. It is a true honor to read works such as these. Works that could only be penned by you. ------------------ Michael Anderson When God puts a tear in your eye, He puts a rainbow in your heart. |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Julie, your comment is not appreciated. |
||
|
Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
Gosh Thanks Balladeer.. I needed that!!! [This message has been edited by Lucie (edited 10-11-1999).] [This message has been edited by Lucie (edited 10-11-1999).] |
||
|
Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
You are a master of words. That's all I can say! |
||
|
Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Well, I was going to smile and tell you how much I admire your talents....I was beaten to the punch. (Especially the smiles....  )Besides, you know how I feel..so, there you go! |
||
|
LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'Deer - simply superb. And those jokes about sheep? I don't believe a one of them. This was a fine poem, written in the style of the master. I really enjoy your stories, Mike. I find myself flowing from line to line, totally enraptured by the story, without even thinking of the rhyme. This was another of your many classics. I sure hope Lorelei and I get down to your part of Florida. [This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (edited 10-11-1999).] |
||
|
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Again, you show us the power of words. Amazing, simply amazing. I've missed reading this kind of poetry from you! Thank you for this.  |
||
|
John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Balladeer, The nick fits you well: I doff my hat and lift a glass- A toast to work sublime- A master, and a craftsman When it comes to writing rhyme. I feign would duck my head in shame And slither out of sight If one should say I'd met my match I say, That isn't right. I've tried my hand for many years But one thing stands out clear I've met my Master in the one They call the Balladeer. ------------------ ~GS~ |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
You are a master story teller Balladeer....thanks for the read |
||
|
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Balladeer. I echo all the praise from above. The ending on this one gave me a cold chill and a wistful smile. Masterfully told sir. This is one that goes in my ever growing "Balladeer Archive." (didn't know I had one huh? I do) |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Mikes and Nan. Lucie...my monitor looks like a billboard! It's great. Thank you. Severn, that's all you need to say. Thank you. Sally..yes, I know..and I appreciate it. LongJohn, thanks for the nice words and be assured that, when you do make it down, you have a place to stay. Count on it. Poet DeVine....I've missed writing them. Time to get back to basics. Thanks for your words. Gunslinger...I've read everything you've posted since you rode into town. I'd be happy to be considered your equal. Hoot...I always appreciate your comment. Christopher...we may have a psychic connection. I felt a chill when I wrote that last stanza. I thank you warmly for your kind words. |
||
|
Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
I love it. Every night I always check to see if you've left us one of your grand stories.......Thanks. I'm never disappointed when it's found. |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Geez, I have to work on Mondays! See what I miss for going to bed early on Sundays? Great stuff, 'Deer - and I must reiterate some others, I love your ballads more than your "back-at-'ems" which are hilarious, but the pieces like this always make one think! Thank you again, Sir! ------------------ Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
||
|
Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Well Mr. BugKiller...ya done good again..as usual....Very good job pal! |
||
|
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This needs to be at the top a bit longer! |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
I fell into your words and was trapped in Tennessee, with a great piano player and a poet of the first degree. |
||
|
Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Well this only conferms what I always said. And you know what I always said. Happy to see you writing again. |
||
|
Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
applaud you Sir!!!! ------------------ May your days be filled with lots of sunshine and your nights lit up by golden moonbeams |
||
|
RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Yikes...10 minutes to get access to read this, but was worth it..:-) HUSG ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Another 'classic'. Thank you so much, Balladeer! It's always a pleasure! ------------------ Denise |
||
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Simply superb! |
||
|
WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Hmmn, let's see if I can find a place to reply here! Ah, here's one! Balladeer, this is an awesome work here! You brought it to life my friend! Just excellent! I too am paritial of pianos. I played for a couple years. Am quite rusty now! Very, very well done! |
||
|
Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
ok, will ditto suthern, rainbow girl...and martie and chris, and all the bravo's, and all the applause...and well...after all that maybe I should just add that I loved it, you are great and yep starting a balladeer archive is a pretty good idea they are too good to just read and let go |
||
|
Saxoness
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102Texas |
Balladeer, i can't play the piano worth a lick, but I sure do appreciate observing a master! (oh, and it seems to be that way with poetry, too. Thank you for the observance!) ------------------ "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me." -Charles Brugnot |
||
|
caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
I was away for a few days and almost missed this one. I'm glad I found it! Too good a treasure to pass up. 'Tis a masterpiece, Sir Balladeer!------------------ "Tread softly, for I have spread my dreams under your feet"~~William Butler Yeats |
||
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thanks Mike I was telling Todd about this one, but couldn't find it to show him. He said you remind him of Hans Christian Anderson, (I think that was a compliment actually.) He loved that show when he was little! LOL, thanks I printed this so I don't have to bother anyone again to find it. This and of course the Widow's Walk are about my favorites I think, but then I change my opinion often |
||
|
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Sorry forgot to add it to that library place |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Sharon. It's one of my favorites, too, along with the Fourth Tenor....very pleased you like it  |
||
|
latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Mike, you were then and are still, amazing. Really enjoyed this one. martyjo |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My thanks to you again, Martie |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
