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The Robot
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The Robot |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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Upon the stairway of despair, Complete with broken love affairs And promises that never came, But faded with a touch of shame, A pretty girl with golden hair And innocence so sadly rare, Strove to keep her head above A way of life devoid of love. Feeling pinned against Life's wall, She chanced upon a robot tall And said, "Please come and share with me Whatever Fate has deemed to be. I'm through with love, done with chances Spirit crushed by past romances, Just be a friend in word and deed. That's all that I shall ever need." "There's not too much from me to learn," Remarked the robot, in return. "Emotions do not form a part of my cold, solid-steel heart. Whatever maker fashioned me Did not permit my circuitry Responsiveness to love or pain - You're thoughts for me would be in vain." "No matter", spoke the maid. "No more Do I wish passion to explore. Be someone I can come home to When my exhausting day is through. Count yourself a well-worn shoe - A friend that I can slip into ...... Protection from a stone cold floor… For this I ask and nothing more." Agreement made, he took her hand And lived the life that she had planned, Always willing, not demanding, Aiding her with understanding He made her smile with humorous wit (As his restrictions would permit) And, bit by bit, she came to feel That he was more than iron and steel. "I love you, robot", she at last Replied when several months had passed. "You're strength and quiet dignity Have brought a wondrous change in me. No more do I feel all alone, And pray you must be flesh and bone. Deep-set emotions you MUST feel Within that outer coat of steel!" "If I were able, I would say I'm sorry I was made this way But my design and programmation Does not provide for that creation 0f feelings normal men may feel That were not born of iron and steel. I told you all this once before. You have no right expecting more." "Go, then!" cried she. "I will not live Beside a fiend who cannot give! Though I be battered by misuse, Misguided trust and strong abuse, At least the men I chose were real And had the power to love and feel. Of all the lovers I recall, You are the cruelest one of all!" The robot, indestructible, Continues freely and at will. Emotionless, apparently, But, bearing closer scrutiny, One can see a small tear streak Down that cold, metallic cheek As I reflect upon my life .... That lovely lady was my wife. The robot, of course, was me. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
...and this is the other one that I have tucked away for safe-keeping!  Denise |
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Novacaine For The Soul Member
since 2000-05-26
Posts 122New Orleans |
dear balladeer, what a sad and even somewhat disturbing story... i hope this one wasn't autobiographical... you have a flair for emotion, i can't believe such a fine sculptor of the human heart could himself be lacking in tenderness... sincerely, a sad tomato you're such a beautiful freak... i wish there were more just like you... |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Bal, I don't want this tucked away. I want this printed and distributed. Vital. Mike |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Dear Sir Balladeer ... I do so ... enjoy your style excellent poem |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Ball, Perfect!! I absolutely love it. Will speak to many, perhaps help some. One of my favorites. |
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linda munday Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315Adelaide, Australia |
Balladeer, If this was ever you then it must have been a temporary thing. I enjoy all you poems. Linda M |
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Colin Senior Member
since 1999-06-05
Posts 596Callington, Cornwall, England |
I'd be barking up the wrong tree if I thought I could get away with a cheeky comment on this one  Eric. "We are the music makers and we are the makers of dreams." - Willy Wonka. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
You make me cry, you make me laugh, smile, wilt, chuckle, hold my breath...I still say we need a book by Balladeer alone... so, there... Sunshine ~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. Helen Keller ~~~ |
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Not A Poet Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885Oklahoma, USA |
This is absolutely beautiful. At first I felt compassion for the girl, then for the robot, then for the girl again. Then I slowly began to realize that I could be that robot, at least to some extent. In fact, I think this is a flaw that most of us have, at least to some extent. Thanks for making me think. Pete |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
A message for one and all, to be sure. Superbly told tale, Balladeer. ~ Claire Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
A ROBOT? NOT A POET?...DEFINATELY the best part of this is getting to see these amazing poems that are from before my time here... though how you choose from all of your is beyond me... later poet-gator jm |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
Words fail me... ..your impression made upon me is now sculpted into permanent greatness.... A master story teller, with great indepth insight....and a beautiful way of putting words to thoughts and vice-versa... A very very sad one, this tale...be it be true to you or not, it is sorrowful indeed... My respect to you sir... Regards, sudhir. P.S. I second what Karilea said. You ought to have the book to yourself and leave the second for us to laboriously fill in... [This message has been edited by Sudhir Iyer (edited 06-22-2000).] |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Wonderful! I second/third the Ballads of Balladeer idea!  |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Balladeer, this is an amazing piece, full of wit and sadness. Having been hurt like the girl in your poem I now often feel like I have become the robot. What a tale you weave with your words, you never cease to amaze me with your talent Sir Balladeer! This has my vote! Take care, Melissa Honeybee |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
It makes as wonder how much we can change Loved your poem The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Nobody does it better - 'One can see a small tear streak Down that cold, metallic cheek' How tender the hurt is felt in your render. 'Count yourself a well-worn shoe - A friend that I can slip into' Wow ! Such a wonderful thought. Love you to pieces ! ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
You know, I can type in here "Thank you for your replies" but the words simply cannot convey the strong feelings of gratitude I feel toward you all. I can only say thank you all VERY much, It's a pleasure to be here with you..... |
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X Angel Senior Member
since 1999-11-07
Posts 1521Oregon |
'Deer...you always succeed in making me FEEL. I think tis why I love your poetry so much. ~Heather PS..this is a MUST for the book |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
I read this the other day... i think i remember it from a previous posting, but i'm not sure... anyway... i waited to respond because I wanted to come back and read it again... when i came back and read it for the second time.. it was like... so very fine but hard to read the second time because it's got a "grip" on reality that is so solid and real ... this poem is no robot! It is art. You have a way of writing lines which, at first, sound "light"... but underneath, there is so much wisdom and truth... but this is not "light"... it is a light's reflection... oh... did i mention i think this should be in the book? hehe *wink*  -doreen |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
I remember this one well! Absolutely terrific! So many emotions in one piece, compassion, anger, sadness....and there's that lesson again! |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Hi again, Needed to vote but never tire of reading something so beautifully written and reminds me to share with those I love, my feelings. |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
I don't think you need my vote for this to get in the book, but you got it anyway, this is one of my fav's |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Wonderful to read again. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I cannot describe how much I loved this Balladeer ... so I'll simply say ... superb! Best wishes, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 07-24-2000).] |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
Bal, I think their is a heart in that their robot. Although you might be a rusted old cyber-bot, you sure pen great story verse. Parker |
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Gossamerwings Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207 |
I cannot imagine a man with a warmer heart than you! Wonderfully expressive read! Gossamerwings ;) |
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