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Open Poetry #4
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Night Travelers
| Open Poetry #4 |
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Night Travelers |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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All night I had been on the road beneath the moon's soft light And still the road before me stretched into the Texas night. The silence of the breaking dawn my only company, The desert landscape stretching farther than the eye could see. I drove on through that mystic time when darkness meets the dawn, When floating shadows dart across the eye and then beyond. Exhaustion had since passed me by as I drove, glassy-eyed And barely saw her car as it approached me from the side. The noise had been quite deafening. I'd been alone so long, Mind occupied recalling some forgotten old love song, I'd scarcely noticed her approach until her eyes met mine - Two travelers on the road of life next to a straight, white line. She had been traveling, I could tell, a very long time, too. Her eyes shone with that glassy look, exhaustion showing through. Another midnight traveler on that road to who knows where, Mind dwelling on some nice, soft bed just waiting for her there. It happened in an instant in a way I can't explain Although, as I recall it now, it does seem quite insane. Her eyes met mine and mine met hers amid the swirling dust And I was overcome with uncontrollably strong lust. I've heard that it can happen and can happen anywhere. The simple act of touching eyes forms passion in the air. Could be an elevator or a crowded room or such Where one is filled with deep desire to feel another's touch. It has no base in logic. It is purely chemistry, So strong it wipes the blackboard clean of all reality. But, for that one brief moment, we'd surrender willingly To feel the white-hot burning heat of such intensity. We don't, of course. We're civilized, not animals in heat. Behind the wall of decency, we beat a fast retreat, But I've heard decent women say, concerning unknown men, When faced with this phenomonen…."He could have had me….then." Well, those are thoughts that came to me as she came into view And I could tell from how she looked, she felt the same way, too. The glassy look, the reddened cheeks, the way she grasped the wheel, Her slightly opened lips showed her intensity was real. She passed me then. I saw her smile as she went on ahead But, though she could have left me there, she slowed back down, instead And settled in an easy pace just yards in front of me - Two travelers in life down Texas Road 183. The Texas sun had risen now, the morning crystal clear. I watched her eyes look back at me from out her rearview mirror. The passion was still there. It made her blue eyes so beguiling And, from the creases on the sides, I knew that she was smiling. How many miles we drove? Who knows? Two hundred - maybe three. My eyes were staring at the eyes that stared right back at me. I'd never wanted anyone the way I wanted her! To hell with any consequences later to occur. The road went on forever as I sat, quite mesmerized, When, suddenly, I saw a look of question in her eyes. I looked to get my bearings just to see how far we went. The landscape I now recognized explained what her eyes meant. Right up ahead, a mile or two in front of her and me I-20 cut from east to west across 183. The right turn went to Dallas and the left to Abilene. Some small, sad non-descript motel sat right there in between. So there it was - the time to choose. Dream or reality? To act on our desires or to keep the fantasy. The road was getting closer. There was little time to lose. My nerves were taut with wondering at how we both would choose. I wanted her. I felt the passion set my soul aflame And I knew, deep inside of me, her feelings were the same. The time was now! The road appeared and sprang into our sight. Then she swerved in the left-hand lane - and I into the right. She looked at me and gave a smile…a happy one and yet I saw her face was saddened by a feeling of regret. I smiled right back to hide my feelings, well, as best I could, Expressing my agreement and to show I understood. The light changed and I saw her start to turn and pull away, Then put her hand up to her lips and blew a kiss my way. I caught it in mid-air and smiled and gave the horn a toot, Then raised my hand to offer her a fare-thee-well salute. So she turned left and I turned right. We'd never meet again. I watched her slowly disappear somewhere around the bend. Things always work out for the best - that's part of Life's design. I wished her luck with her life and then I drove home to mine. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 11-29-1999).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
WOW Balladeer, you had me capitavted. Awesome story you tell here! Sad ending, but wow. I'm cheering here ya, go the same way!!! EXCELLENT buddy! ------------------ <*\\\>< |
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Ohme Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816Texas |
And if you had been on I-35 you would have written an altogether different story. But it would have been just as intertaining!  |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
I couldn't stop reading - awesome work. Melancholy...yet not. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, friends. I appreciate it. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Baladeer, You are the man and I your fan. You captivated me. I could not tare my eyes away To see the end to be. I have no quarrel with the end But I did utter a sigh, For it left a bump just at the bend, As I asked myself the why? Mike please get off your ass and put these in a book. I would not let your genius Pass By time and overlook. Sy PS. I'd be your first customer. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Great story, 'Deer one... captivating from start to finish! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Balladeer There's only one I know of could write so fine a tale An enticing bit of every day, that makes the moment sail You seduced me with the very thought, and mesmerized my mind Enraptured me with visions of me riding right behind But if we came to crossraods, at a blinking light Fear not my friend, I'd throw a kiss, and then turned toward the right Elizabeth |
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lostboy Member
since 1999-11-21
Posts 275New Hampshire, USA |
Balladeer, This is Awesome, I was on the edge on my seat reading, dying to find out what would happen next!!! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
This was so well done Balladeer--I was lost in your words and the story as if I was there. |
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RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
Excellent! The road went on or so they say Bal wondered to this very day Who the mysterious woman was That captivated him in the dust. But law enforcement records show That in the other car was Toe He was stopped and later fined The Texas law was way unkind For see it causes travelling lag To drive through the state in drag. ------------------ Once I was brilliant, now I no longer shine, but the twinkle in my eye speaks of another time. |
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seti@home Junior Member
since 1999-11-28
Posts 24 |
I'm but a shadow in your awesome presence. keep it coming!!!!! |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Put em in a book buddy! You've captivated everyone. Now get off your hmmn, how was that put? and put them in a book...may it reach the thousands beyond us!!! ------------------ <*\\\>< |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My thanks again, good people. Sy...maybe some day. If I do one, you'll get the first copy...at a discount, even! Elizabeth.. You can drive me left Or you can drive me right. With comments that you offer me You drive me with delight. Robert... I never thought that our friend Toe would take the time to wear a Shade of apricot lipstick or turquoise blue mascara. When he said, "Wanna drag?" I thought he meant to race with me, Not get dressed up to satisfy his femininity! It only goes to show.... With Toe you never know. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: I tried to reply earlier but alas it booted me out...now then, you sure this lady had blue eyes cause mine are green..*g*...oh well...*sigh*...LOL Besides, you'd be that mesmerised you'd be at my beck and call and after travelling so many miles my tank would need filling up and so you would be needed... Brilliant as always, you do tell a story well my friend... HUSG ------------------ There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it... [This message has been edited by RainbowGirl (edited 11-29-1999).] |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
great my friend, absolutely loved this |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Balladeer, I could feel it all. Loved it !!! Wished you guys hadn't turn though lol ------------------ What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Wonderful! Of course, I've come to expect that from you, but....didn't you mean Abilene, instead of Aberdeen? I travel that route several times a year. :-) ------------------ Live large, people! ~GS~ http://www.geocities.com/montcogunslinger/HomePage.html |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I ditto all the above, especially the one from seti@home -'I am but a shadow in your awesome presence'. My words can't express the excellence of this piece and how it touched me! ANOTHER WELL DONE BALLADEER! ------------------ Denise |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer - This was wonderful. I think we all raced along the roadway with you, trying to catch a glimpse. Really an action-packed tale. You've not lost the 'balladeer' touch ! ------------------ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
What wonderful comments! Thank you all. Gunslinger, you are so right! I haven't been to Texas in 40 years and I thought I was being so careful. I got out the Rand McNally, found a road that would intersect an Interstate to build my poem around before I wrote it, wrote down Dallas and Abilene on my notes and then, when push came to shove, I typed in Aberdeen! Must have had scotch on my mind! I truly appreciate the correction. |
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Deb Lynne Member
since 1999-08-19
Posts 180Where blue skies meet blue ocean |
MM...you better not venture to travel in eastern NC! If I catch you on the roads near my house, MAN, are you in trouble!!! This one was just too good!!! Watching for you on Hwy 70! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Well, Deb, I normally take I-26 but I HAVE been thinking about trying a new route! * wink * |
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Kevin
since 1999-11-02
Posts 729Torrington, Ct, Usa |
I believe i would have done the same =) fantasies last forever where lust will come and go =) hehe i was even like DONT DO IT as i was reading this followed by a clever satisfaction at the outcome |
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sraet Junior Member
since 1999-08-04
Posts 31 |
"It has no base in logic. It is purely chemistry, So strong it wipes the blackboard clean of all reality." Excellent line... You are truly a great writer, I love reading your posts. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Now yall went and hurt my feelings again! Yassee, I was gonna respond to this with a serious...."Atta boy Balladeer"...fine poem, great story, laddie laddie"...and then you and Robert have to go and make fun of my Revlon?...You'll both hear from my lawyers! (I keep them on a retainer yanno.....have to......seems as though I need them frequently).....As soon as I can get my bra straight I'm gonna write something just awful about both of you! (Gunslinger....can I borrow your Colt?) [This message has been edited by Toerag (edited 11-30-1999).] |
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Saxoness
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102Texas |
*grumbles about I-35* I really hate that road. Had to take it everyday to work. Balladeer, wonderful poem, you had me from the first moment when I heard the beautiful name of Texas. ------------------ "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me." -Charles Brugnot |
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RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
Should I retract or face the prosecution? Bal? Seriously....I should not poke fun at such a beautiful piece...but a cheap shot at Toerag only comes along so often... |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Robert....and we all know that justa 'bout everything about you is pretty cheap!!! LOL..... |
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RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
##feigns##ahhh...I'm wounded, Toe...I really am... |
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Julie Senior Member
since 1999-08-20
Posts 739Houston, TX |
Come a little futher south to I-45 It will be I to give you a big sigh... not a blue-eyed but a sleek brunette waiting for you in her red corvette. ----- Is it just me or is it warm in here? Soooo intriguing! |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
You leave me in a state of breathless anticipation... I so admire the storyteller in you. ~sigh~ I tell you this much...it was a good thing I had my glass of wine beside me. I'd have struggled...yes indeed. Brilliant and beautiful, my dear. |
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myslinky Junior Member
since 1999-11-25
Posts 27 |
Balladeer you have a wonderful gift! You truly captured the chemistry that two strangers have without speaking a word to each other. Thankyou for such a wonderful story! I loved it! [This message has been edited by myslinky (edited 12-01-1999).] |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
Magic words, I hung off every one!! Bravo ------------------ The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there IS to celebrate. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
It's truth you know, she was the one with the effervescent wink what the Balladeer will never know should he even stop to think, was as the lady turned to the left there was a tear come from her eye, beneath her breath, she whispered soft "bet he was quite the guy." |
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