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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 1999-11-23 12:10 PM


( just an oldie for our newer members )



We write for many reasons. I can't even count the ways
We coin our words to entertain with some poetic phrase.
Whenever I take pen in hand, I do the best I can
To bring a spot of happiness to the common man.

Some people write for other poets. Nothing wrong with that.
Recognition from ones peers will never be old hat
And only other poets know the challenges we face
Combining words and phrases with agility and grace.

The common man knows little of those rhythms, accents, spikes,
Or those iambic thingys, but he sure knows what he likes
And that's the person I prefer to be my biggest fan.
That's why I dedicate my poems to the common man.

A poem needs to make some sense. It doesn't need to rhyme
But needs to be well-structured with a purposeness in mind.
It needs to strike some chord within. It needs to have a plan
If it's to be accepted by a simple, common man.

The common man's exactly that. He may not be 'top class',
His tastes may lean toward rib-eye steak, not pheasant under glass.
Norm Rockwell, not Picasso, may be his choice of art,
And, when he looks at poetry, he reads it with his heart.

He grows the crops and tends the land to put food on our plate.
He keeps the factories going strong by working long and late.
He fights the wars and gives his life to keep our country free
And he deserves the best we have to give in poetry.

I'm proud to be a common man. I'll hold my head up high.
I'll praise God and salute the flag as it goes passing by.
I'll vow with every breath I take to do the best I can
And, with delight, I'll always write for the common man.

© Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
RainbowGirl
Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023
United Kingdom
1 posted 1999-11-23 12:16 PM


As a sleepless Rainbow smiles and thinks if I were to say "I'm proud to be a common woman"...ooops.. Shutup me!!..*g* Sorry Bal, couldn't resist...

What new adjective can I think of?....none, have to be 'brilliant' as always..

HUSG

------------------
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
2 posted 1999-11-23 12:28 PM


Well she took the words out of my mind. A common woman I was gonna say. Great writing Balladeer buddy! We read with our heart, and I no nothing of the iambic sort! Geez, I even had to look at it 3 times just to get it spelled right! LOL
Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
3 posted 1999-11-23 06:48 AM


This common, (or uncommon), depending on your mental state, man, likes this...well done sir Balladeer....

(He knew that when he mentioned praising God and saluting the flag I wouldn't say nuthin' nasty about this one or him....there's always next time though).....

[This message has been edited by Toerag (edited 11-23-1999).]

Ohme
Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816
Texas
4 posted 1999-11-23 06:58 AM


I must be one of the 'commom' cause I always read everything you post!

------------------
Yesterday is history, tomorrow just a mystery. And if today is good to me how could I ask for more?

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
5 posted 1999-11-23 07:00 AM


Common man sounds noble... so why does common woman sound easy? LOL.

This is wonderful, Balladeer... I like very much!!!

JTF
Member
since 1999-08-09
Posts 319
France
6 posted 1999-11-23 07:03 AM


I was about to comment on "Whenever I take pen in hand" but that would have been naughty *g* ... I ditto Rainbow, brilliant is the word which comes to mind ... ... and ROFL @ Auntie reply

[This message has been edited by JTF (edited 11-23-1999).]

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
7 posted 1999-11-23 07:15 AM


...and this is indeed one of your best, my Deer - not a bad idea to bring a few back - maybe I'll join you in that venture....
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
8 posted 1999-11-23 09:46 AM


I know one common woman that sure enjoys your work
Iloveit
Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121
NM
9 posted 1999-11-23 09:58 AM


yep ROFG@suthern's reply....and beautiful work my friend
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 1999-11-23 10:06 AM


I must protest...there is nothing about anyone of us that is common...for look where we are...

Go ahead and bind up your best, 'Deer, for we love to peruse all pages of yesterday...

Pepper
Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079
Southern Florida
11 posted 1999-11-23 10:07 AM


Another common woman here!
Really enjoyed this Balladeer!

------------------
A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire!


John Yaws
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860
Texas
12 posted 1999-11-23 05:09 PM


Another master piece, Maestro! Of course i have come to expect that from you. :-)
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
13 posted 1999-11-23 07:24 PM


Sir Balladeer: One of my favorites from way back when... what? six months ago? Count me amongst the common my friend, and thanks for sharing your talent and views.
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

14 posted 1999-11-23 08:03 PM


Superb as usual! And, as always, a pleasure!

------------------
Denise


Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
15 posted 1999-11-23 08:19 PM


Simply said
a form of art ...
coming from the
'not-so-common heart'.

Balladeer, you simply do
amaze me with your line.
Count me among the 'commoners'
who really like this fine.

I find it quite
phenomenonal ...
that you write
for such a 'common' all.

I'm pleased
to join the ranks
of those
giving thanks.

------------------
~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

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