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Open Poetry #5
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One Beer for Rosie........................for Denise
| Open Poetry #5 |
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One Beer for Rosie........................for Denise |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The bar was just an ordinary, nondescript affair, A row of stools with checkered tables scattered here and there And clientele whose faces traced the passage of the years Recounting faded memories over twenty-five cent beers. I don't know when he wandered in but, looking at his face, Even in a dive like that, the bum seemed out of place. Perhaps the rain had driven him as it had driven me To find whatever refuge from the downpour off the sea. At any rate, he shook so badly he could barely stand And held a wrinkled photograph clenched tightly in his hand. A drunk sat on one barstool, clothes and hair in disarray, And, as the bum approached him, I could hear the old man say "One beer for my sweet Rosie, sir. Just one small beer, I pray. A tribute to my sweetheart who has up and gone away. One beer to drink in memory of the one I held so dear, My Rosie would be grateful if you'll grant me one small beer." I wouldn't have thought the drunk to be awake, much less be able To hear the old man's plea or see the photo on the table, But, as he looked, one finger rose to call the barman near And, in a voice stone sober, said "Jim, give this man a beer." I must admit I was surprised at this strange turnabout For I was sure as anything he'd throw the old bum out, And would have expected anything except for what I'd heard. The old man drained the glass and left without another word. Two teens were playing pinball in one corner of the bar And, as the old man neared them, I KNEW there would be a war! The bum waved Rosie's picture and began the same tirade Just barely heard above the din the pinball buzzers made. One boy took the photograph and, as he looked, his face Rose above the cheapness and the squalor of the place. He nudged the other, who had let the pinball disappear, And, in one voice, they called aloud, "Jim, give this man a beer! Curiosity enfolded me at what had taken place And must confess I burned with strong desire to see that face. What eyes could be so piercing or what nose could be so dear? What face could be so beautiful to warrant so much beer? One by one, he made his rounds and showed the photograph. Each patron stared intently - there was not one single laugh, And, as they gave it back to him, I knew now what I'd hear - Clear voices calling, one by one, "Jim, give this man a beer!" "Hey! Let me see that photograph", I called with laughing voice. "I'll tell you if your Rosie would be something of my choice. Just let me have a little look," I added, with a leer "And, if she's pretty as you say, you'll have another beer!" The bum approached me timidly and not a single sound Escaped his features as he reached and lay the photo down. Just why his fingers trembled as he did it wasn't clear But I was sure as anything it wouldn't cost a beer! I snatched the photo quickly and I held it to my eyes And, as I looked, my features filled with anger and surprise. Was I to be a laughingstock? The victim of some prank? The features on the photograph in front of me were blank! I glared up at the old man, my eyes blazing angrily And saw a room of stone-cold faces staring back at me. Confusion made me falter at this stand the barroom took So I picked the photo up again to have another look. By staring at the photo I could see the faintest trace 0f golden hair cascading down the outline of a face. The photo had been carried, kissed and handled so darn much Her features had almost been wiped clean by this bum's loving touch! How long had this old-timer carried Rosie gingerly While seeking solace in a beer to ease the memory? I fought the wetness in my eyes and spoke up loud and clear These words, "She's beautiful, my friend. Jim, give this man a beer." [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 01-21-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
*sigh* Oh 'deer one, I remember this poem...and though I thought that I could not be touched as much again, you have just proven me wrong. I love this poem, thank you for reposting it.  May I never be too busy to help another's load, Then I'll be drinking from the saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed. --Author Unknown |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
and I thank you, Satiate. Your words are always special to me. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Oh, Michael- This is the most beautiful, tender, 'tear in your beer' tale I've ever read. What a talent for telling the tale you posses. I do believe that this is my all-time favorite of anything I've read by you. Hey, bartender ... Give Balladeer a beer !  Love ya' ~Marge~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Sorry for the delay in responding but I had to finish wiping the tears from my eyes. All I can say is WOW! This is a real tear jerker. Whew! Oh, to be loved like that! Thanks, Balladeer! This goes in my collection of favorites!  p.s. that place sounds strangely familiar...I worked there 12 years ago....the name was 'Rosies'...there's a coincidence for ya! Denise |
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Kevin
since 1999-11-02
Posts 729Torrington, Ct, Usa |
well deer, i can say with a clear conscience that you are the one man capable of eliquently measuring undying love in beer. i dont know how you did it but hell, jim give that deer a beer =) |
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One Who Understands Member
since 2000-01-20
Posts 251Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
Wonderful my friend, this one is going down in my favorites file...thank you |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
*snif snif* oh yes, I remember this one well. Oh so touching Balladeer. At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~Plato |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
And we see your true side yet again, with this show of emotion you're sure to get the girls  truly- this is a lovely piece deer!!!Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Thank you for reposting this Balladeer! This is one of my favorites! The ability you have to convey so much in a poem still astounds me! |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
This is my favorite of all I have read of yours, Balladeer! I could be there. Maybe thirty years back. I could feel his pain, and I could feel their care. Man alive, can you tell a story! P.S. If you ever have any grandchildren to pass this gift along to, they will be blessed. ...Living is ever like crossing rivers; finding a new life on each shore ... RJG |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Webster's New World Dictionary: balladeer: a ballad singer ballad: 1. a romantic or sentimental song with the same melody for each stanza 2. a song or poem that tells a story in short stanzas and simple words, with repetition, refrain, etc.: most old ballads are of unknown authorship and have been handed down orally in more than one version 3. a slow, sentimental popular song, esp. a love song. Passion in Poetry's Dictionary: Balladeer: [noun] 1. a romantic 2. tells marvelous stories 3. a known author to Passions members 4. a person who shares his marvelous gifts 5. the King of Storytellers Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
hmmmppphhhh - Beer for Rosie indeed! I could have written this poem if I had your talent! hmmppphhh... making Toe and me look bad all the time... hmmppphhhh. BTW - You are one heckuva story teller, ol' 'Deer - this story is simply superb. |
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Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
WoW, got a kleenex? You might want to keep a box of them handy. This is so very touching, WoW, ok Im gonna go now, tears are just too much to see through! ~*~ ^i^ ~*~ Love is such a lonely art, and death is but a taste. Minds are merely instruments that often go to waste! ~*~ ^i^ ~*~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
This is a most wonderfully wonderous story and writing deer. Superb in every way! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Marge.....thank you for the kind words....and the beer!! Denise......that's twilight zone material! Maybe we have a psychic connection! Thank you. Kevin...hehe. I never really thought of it that way but you're right! One who understands...I appreciate that very much. Hoot...Thank you for accepting it....again. devina....well, I keep trying. Thank you much.Christopher..I really appreciate your words, friend. Rosemary...Thank you. I DO have a granddaughter and, because of that, I am blessed. Sunshine....Wow. What can I say? you have made my day, week, month and year with tis wonderful reply. Thank you. LngJohn...Bull! You could have written it with the idea....you have the talent, my friend. Thanks for the words, peacemaker. Echo...Thank you for allowing me to stir emotions....and for letting me know. Martie...take it as a small repayment for all the pleasure your poetry has given me |
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poetry_kills Senior Member
since 1999-12-04
Posts 549new orleans |
entrancing and simply beautiful... thank you sincerely, "As virtuous men pass mildly away, And whisper to their souls to go..." *John Donne |
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Eloise Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096Wyoming |
Balladeer, what can I say that hasn't already been said. I remember reading this once before and was touched by it then and it still has the same effect now. I submitted a poem called Passion Friends and it said "The minds of some are so profound. They are the best I've seen around." And that, my friend, describes you to a T. |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Another poem I did not know How do they say "Jolly good show, jolly good show" They way you set your words in gear Made me go to get a beer Now back I'm sitting here And guess what? A tear dropped in my beer Thank you Mr Balladeer Very nice The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Bring this up for another sip! Too good to pass up of course! |
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Dusk Treader
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 1187St. Paul, MN |
I remember reading this piece long, long ago, and I remember shedding a few tears then, and now you've gotten me again. A great example of the power of poetry by a powerful poet. In flames I shall not be consumed, but reborn. -- Abrahm Simons |
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Bad Boy Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 78 |
Ok I said I wasn`t going to read the sad one`s.  But This one I just couldn`t resist. You`ve done a great job with your wording on this. You really do have alot of talent and it show`s.  Marge can I have one of them beer`s?  < !signature-->The Devil Made Me Do It. [This message has been edited by Bad Boy (edited 01-23-2000).] |
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