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The Delta Queen (revised)
| Open Poetry #6 |
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The Delta Queen (revised) |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Drifting on the current, of a Mississippi dream, Stokers shovel coal below, sweating up a steam, To keep the paddles churnin', down to New Orleans, Sailing to tranquility, aboard the Delta Queen. Up above the pilothouse, Captain at the helm, Keeping watch on "Muddy", as king surveys his realm, Lord of all the river, knows its every bend, For beneath the burnished calm, there's danger to fortend. On the banks a straw-haired boy, a cane pole in his hand, Flathead catfish are his prey, fileted and frying panned, Keepin' watch for river pirates, first mate and all his crew, Behind their backs lurks gamblin' man, seeks marks who have no clue. Southern Belles and Gentlemen, stroll upon the deck, As coated stewards trail behind, to answer call and beck, Marking twain with knotted rope, six fathoms down below, Skeletons of steamers past, with no where left to go. Off the bow, there's Huck and Jim, aboard their river raft, Cotton bales piled on the deck, "King Cotton's" fore and aft, Below the bluffs of Vicksburg, antebellum grace, Steaming down to Natchez, trailhead of the Trace. Beneath the beacon of Polaris, "Big Muddy" ever flows, Soft rippling of the current, sweet song of dream's repose, The Delta Queen forever sails, in glow of Luna's beam, Adrift upon the memories, of a Mississippi dream. [This message has been edited by Mike (edited 03-24-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Mike - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This is wonderful Mike! Captivating! Denise |
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David2 Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 407 |
Excellent use of words Mike! Very descriptive. I enjoyed it. David2  |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Mike, you took me right into history with the great visuals, and as always, you put it together perfectly. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Hooped skirts and fancy men in fancy suits.. takes me back..I love this era..you've captured it perfectly. I think I'll just sit here on the veranda with my mint julep and fan myself!  |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Wonderful, Mike! You tell it so well! Like a song, it is, like a song. Corinne |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
"Soft rippling of the current, sweet song of dream's repose," This has all the markings of a classic, though I admit to being just a wee bit of a pushover when it comes to steamboats. This is powerful writing, Mike. (The Delta Queen is indeed a majestic vessel)~ Claire [This message has been edited by Meadowmuse (edited 03-24-2000).] |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Appreciate the responses. Was an era of my history major I particularly enjoyed. |
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