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Open Poetry #4
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Utopia
| Open Poetry #4 |
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Utopia |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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UTOPIA Sunrise on the desert. Golden sands, a red-orange sky. A shadow cast in darkness- On the winds subtle cry. Crossing a painted picture, A seemingly endless cage. Facing another day alone, The cowboy turns the page. He rides towards the horizon, Where each night the sunsets hide. Black Stetson hat, calloused hands, On the white horse he calls Pride. A face rough and unshaven, Kabar knife, faded Levi's. Never a smile, never a frown, Just wild, blue staring eyes, And the desert winds blow harsh, Dust kicking up in his sight.. But steady on his march, The man presses on through the plight. Perseverance leads the way, On the lonely, sometimes dreadful quest. Indeed a good man some would say, But I'd say he's the best. And the dream seems within reach now, The tiresome journey nearing its end. He can see it in the distance, As the storm seems to suspend. A land where emotions flourish- In grandiose euphoria. A land where pain eases and hearts nourish, A land he calls "Utopia". Yes determination, will, and guts, His three best friends behooved- Have led him to the crossroads- Where nothing remains to be proved. The desert lies behind him, Prosperity just ahead on the plain. He slows up just a moment, Gently pulling back the reign. He tips his hat without looking back- To those he touched on this parade. He holds his head high, lets out a sigh, Watching a brilliant sunset fade. And night comes on the wings of angels, Calling a billion stars to his side. Carrying him away to his "Utopia", The cowboy's final ride. Michael Anderson 2/93 (For my Father) |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
It's a good thing I can type without looking at the keyboard, because my eyes seem to be watering at the moment! This is one of your best! A wonderful tribute to your father.. the picture was painted so vividly with your words that I could see him on that horse, tipping his hat! Thank you for sharing this with us!  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Michael, A grand poem one of your best. I've read it twice can't lay it to rest. Bravo, my friend. |
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RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
I agree with Sy...one of your best, Michael. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
...crying here, Michael. What a lovely, touching tribute. I wish I had written this for my Dad. (but I can pretend it's for my Dad, too, right?!) I agree, I think this is one of your best yet!  Denise |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
How very beautiful |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Thank you all for the compliments. I'm glad you all felt the sincerity of this one. Denise, of course you can pretend it's for your father too. Michael |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Raw, fabulous. Love this! A bleeding poem - as I like to call such - the ones with truth seeping out over the edges of image. K[This message has been edited by Severn (edited 12-21-1999).] |
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Betty Gravitt Member
since 1999-09-11
Posts 222Georgia United States |
One of your very best. I can feel the love here. Beautiful. B Gravitt |
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Nate Dogg Senior Member
since 1999-11-15
Posts 1658Georgia, Fulton |
Its very good and descriptive too! |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
yes, you have been doing some incredible writing lately and this is one of them...great poem.....hugs ... |
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caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
Michael this poem is SO good...heartfelt, beautiful, and filled with emotion. You've written a wonderful tribute to your father. The love really comes through in your writing < !signature--> It's not the love you fear, but the fall from the height~Edwin McCain [This message has been edited by caroline (edited 12-21-1999).] |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
A horse that sometimes rides us too... Well said friend. Adieu all... time for me to fly How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it. -Marcus Aurelius |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I, too, can see your father smiling, tipping his hat, and riding off to his Utopia. To be able to project an image like that is brilliant writing.Congrats, Michael. |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Some people write, some people express themselves, a very select few are able to share of their innermost self with their writings. You are in the select few. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You've outdone yourself, my friend... and that's no small chore... |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
I don't know what I can say that hasn't been said already Michael. I agree with them all. You've really touched me with the beauty of this piece. A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! Shannon |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Truly a vivid picture you've given us! Excellent writing Michael! |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Simply beautiful. I agree with every rave review you've received. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Thank you all, once more. I am sure my father would be tipping his hat to you all also. Local Rebel, indeed, that horse rides us sometimes, into the ground if we allow it. Severn, "bleeding" is a most accurate description. I wrote this the day after my father passed in 1993 - truly, I was bleeding inside. TY Michael |
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Fairy Colours Member
since 1999-12-02
Posts 169Sunrise,Fl,US |
I can't add much to the comments of others, except to say that I think this is very beautiful. --A Little Fairy-- |
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starboards Member
since 1999-10-14
Posts 467longwood, florida |
Yes, very beautiful michael, as always... Ashley "I wont look back, I wont regret, though it hurts like hell someday I will forget" |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
Oh wow...I was reading this, and at first thought you had written it about you.....I could see you on the horse....But as I read on, it didn't seem to "fit" you....what a pleasant surprise to find out it was for your dad. Absolutely breathtaking sir....and what a beautiful poem for such a wonderfully powerful man, as you have described him. It's as if I can see him....and the look of accomplishment in his eyes as he tips his hat. I know he's proud of you & Mikey too for following in his trail. I applaude you mi-Lord for this masterpiece. ***clapping !! - - - If I can just touch you once, then I feel I have accomplished what I am called to do...- - pFF |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I never replied to this piece, but I've never forgotten it either. I love it. God bless America, my home sweet home. |
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