»
Main Forums
»
Poetry Workshop
»
I made it! A Ballad!
| Poetry Workshop |
|
I made it! A Ballad! |
|
|
Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Oh boy, I should know better than to ask a friend for suggestions what to write a ballad about. Especially one who knows I grew up in the "evil" city of Amsterdam. What I got in return was the first stanza of this ballad, with the remark; "There, now you finish it.  " With my typical Amsterdam wit, I could have easily turned this ballad into something hilarious, but I fear some of you may not appreciate my humour.  Therefore I chose for something more serious. I can only hope I'm not offending anyone with this tale. Is it a true story? Let's say it could be. Should you ever walk around in Amsterdam's Red Light District and see a wooden leg on the wall, you know why.  I hardly dare ask, but does anyone happen to know a good title for this? In Amsterdam a lady sat behind a window pane. When passers-by looked in they saw a site they'd not forget. She had three legs, but one was not for walking on at all. When asked if I would come inside, I said, "You surely jest." "I know it seems a little strange I walk around these streets. A Red Light District's something we don't have back home you see, And after all the stories told by family and friends, I felt the need to acquiesce to curiosity." "But may I ask you madam at the risk of being blunt, About the artificial leg that's hanging on your wall?" "Well surely lad," she said, "I gladly shall explain to you, The mystery behind this decoration to you all." "As you well know most people do not think much of us whores. They seems to think we're dangerous, much worse than a disease; But what if no one would fulfill the sexual needs of men? How many women out there would be seen as sex trophies?" "For often time is paid for just to have a listening ear, A reassuring smile, or simply not to be alone. Of course we're also paid to make a fantasy come true; No strings attached, no promises, the battle of hormones." "And how about the handicapped? They also have desires. 'Cause when they fall in love it mostly means platonically. They pay me for a loving touch; some tenderness, a dream, But most of all I help them to escape reality." "One day a client dropped by with a smile upon his face, Presenting me a parcel large, inside a wooden leg." He said; "I hope I don't offend you with this gift my dear, Please give me a few minutes to explain to you I beg." "It's meant as token of appreciation by all men With handicaps, who were at loss by world's coldest embrace. Through you I've learned I'm still a man, inside I am complete, Accept this wooden leg, I beg, as medal for your grace." "I never had another gift that's meant so much to me, And therefore it's upon my wall for everyone to see. Now all I ask of you dear lad, returning overseas, Please don't speak badly of us Sir, we're more than eyes can see." Munda © Copyright 2001 Munda [This message has been edited by Munda (edited 07-01-2001).] |
||
| © Copyright 2001 Munda - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
WOW! What an idea for a ballad...and a very good one at that! Munda, I'd say you have a leg up on the competition! I've been to Amsterdam many times....called Rembrandt Square my second home...and I knew that those gals charged an arm and a leg...must have been half-price for that gent! A title? hmmmm..."Give me your leg and I'll make you very hoppy"? "Leggo"? "The Ballad of the Red Light Lady and the Hopscotch King"? On a more serious (red)light, your poem makes some excellent points...those ladies are more than just bodies for hire...they are human..and, in many cases, much better humans than many "properly respectable" types who look down at them....good work, Munda! |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Well, I've never been to Amsterdam - and I can't outdo our Prince of Ballad-eers... I like your work, Munda - You consistently amaze me at your ability to write so well in your "second language"... Nicely done, my friend...  |
||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Munda~ This is just wonderful ! Title ? Gimpy's Medal Of Honor I greatly enjoyed this ... and I applaud your efforts in getting it accomplished. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
||
|
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I really enjoyed this ballad. It is so original in content and captivating. Balladeer, your humor never wanes. You make me laugh, Liz |
||
|
Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Munda , Well done ! ( And no , I won't ask what you were doing in the red light district ). An excellent story . Doc |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
