The Red-Hot Lover............#1

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Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2000-02-11 11:14 PM

A thump! A step - echoes down
The sidewalk of a lonely street
That lies within that part of town
Where blind men steal and beggars cheat

A huddled figure moves along
Clothing worn in disarray.
Footsteps play a dismal song -
A thump! A step - he makes his way.

Grim faces peer behind the panes
Of tenements that line the street
As echoes rise to make his presence
Noticed in the summer heat

And one can hear the neighbors say
From under disapproving eye
That casts a weary look his way,
"The red-hot lover"s passing by."

A study at his huddled form
Or peering at his wrinkled face
Would not reveal a hint of warm
Compassion glowing nor a trace

Of qualities that make hearts run
Or bid defenses slowly fade
Like chocolate melting in the sun
Or waltzes from the hit parade.

Yet it holds true in younger days
That doubled figure stood erect,
Lured the girls in many ways
By plying them with false respect,

Fooling them with tender words
As they surrendered willingly
To meet the morn with nothing more
Than visions of his memory.

Warm lips called out to beg him stay
With pleading tones that slowly died
Against the heat of summer's day.
He just smiled and walked away.

Some say that God created age
To tell us when to settle down
To share the miracles of life
And count the blessings that abound

But no one told the red-hot lover
Whistling down the garden way
That youth and flowers never last
But slowly pale and fade away.

The years have not been kind to him.
His energy and zest are spent.
His hair and teeth are memories.
His belly sags. His spine is bent.

A tumored leg has been removed,
Replaced by crutch instead of bone
And memories of days gone by
Remind him that he's all alone.

A thump! A step - echoes down
The sidewalk of a lonely street
That lies within that part of town
Where blind men steal and beggars cheat..

Where rosebuds wither in the sun,
Where skinny dogs and old men roam.
A thump! A step - he makes his way.
The red-hot lover's going home.

WhtDove
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-07-22

Posts 9245
Illinois

1 posted 2000-02-11 11:19 PM

Not quite sure what the word is that I'm looking for to describe this one. A bit saddening! Though always well done.

<*\\\><

When you can't make up your mind
Which way is right for you,
Stop and softly ask yourself,
What Would Jesus Do?

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

2 posted 2000-02-11 11:21 PM

Oh Michael, Wow! This is wonderful, so full of the truth of a life with your wonderful vision.

Meadowmuse
Member Elite

since 1999-12-27

Posts 3263

3 posted 2000-02-11 11:51 PM

Balladeer, this is superb work with all the elements of a classic. You couldn't have painted it more clearly in my mind. Fine writing.

Claire

devina
Member Elite

since 1999-10-28

Posts 3539
Cali

4 posted 2000-02-12 01:42 AM

A tale well told to be sure...needless to say that your title caught my attention right away..hehe...Maybe this is his punishment for breaking so many hearts???

Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

5 posted 2000-02-12 06:24 AM

So thats what happens to red hot lovers. Is he related to Cassanova? Very descriptive writing..you are really blessed with a wonderful gift to write. James

Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

6 posted 2000-02-12 11:22 AM

I know I shouldn't feel sad for him, but I do. He was a cad, but he's still a human being.... a sad tale. And as redundantly said, written wonderfully!

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

7 posted 2000-02-12 11:30 AM

Wonderful poem, Balladeer. Alone is so sad, even for someone whose lifestyle has made it so. Excellent writing.

Denise

Tasi
Junior Member

since 2000-02-08

Posts 38
Canada

8 posted 2000-02-12 11:38 AM

Balladeer what a picture you paint...incredibly vivid. How wonderful to take a look at ones past and reflect on how it affects thier future.

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

9 posted 2000-02-12 12:08 PM

wow...the imagery in this one has left me speachless...you've gave a good message beyond all those wonderful but sad words.

Corinne
Member Ascendant

since 1999-10-28

Posts 5167
state of confusion

10 posted 2000-02-12 04:22 PM

Karma never fails and your poem paints a rich portrait of the slow, eventual "gotcha!"

Nicely done, Balladeer! I love the characterization, as well!

Corinne

Isis
Member Ascendant

since 1999-09-06

Posts 6296
Sunny Queensland

11 posted 2000-02-12 08:06 PM

Balladeer, beautifully written and it's true, what you give out you get back times three. It is kind of sad but deserved too.
As always my dear, well written and a joy to read.

Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely.
~Isis~
(Sovereign of the Spirit)

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