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The Honky Tonk Piano Man from Memphis, Tennessee
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The Honky Tonk Piano Man from Memphis, Tennessee |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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( I just LOVE having a reason for reposting old poems!) I wound up in that little town just by pure chance that night, A tiny spot down Dixie way where folks still treat you right. I emptied out the camper of the products that I sell Then settled for a night's sleep in a nondescript motel. While finishing my toiletries, I thought I would, instead Go down to have a nice cold beer before I went to bed. I got directions from the clerk to find the local bar, Deciding I would walk there since it wasn't very far. When I was still a block away, I heard a wonderous sound That sent my spirits skyward and then gently brought them down. Piano chords, the likes of which I hadn't heard in years Were flowing from that tavern with its buck-a-bottle beers. Piano was my passion. I had studied with the best But, in the end, I lacked the skills to pass the final test. My passions did not dwindle, though. I still smiled with delight Whenever I heard sounds produced such as the ones that night. I entered through the side door and I mingled with the crowd. Inside the music seemed to be ridiculously loud. As I had passed the doorway, there had been a small marquee, THE HONKY TONK PIANO MAN FROM MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. Two guitar pickers were on stage - a fiddle player, too, A drummer so darned small he almost disappeared from view, And, right up front at center stage, for all the crowd to see... The honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee. His fingers flew like lightning, gliding up and down the keys. The toughest hand manipulations he performed with ease And, all the while, a big smile grew and shot from ear to ear. He waved out to the rowdy crowd and chuckled at their cheer. I sat, in abject fascination, watching as he played, My senses overloaded at the talent he displayed. Yet he performed as though it were a simple thing to do. My head was getting dizzy at the way his fingers flew. Then, as I watched, it hit me. I had seen those hands before! Performing off in London - Copenhagen - Singapore! This man had been the great pianist Johnathon LeGree, This honky tonk piano man from Memphis, Tennessee. LeGree had been the best there was, receiving great acclaim. His destiny had been assured, as had his wealth and fame. But then, one day, he walked away and disappeared from sight To show up in this tavern playing honky tonk at night. The evening show now ended and I saw him in the crowd. They clapped his back and mussed his hair and called his name out loud. A waitress handed him a box of chicken - southern fried. I hurried to catch up to him and followed him outside. He sauntered to a pick-up truck. I called, "Mr. Legree!" He smiled and said, "I see my past is catching up with me. You wonder what I'm doing here - why I am not the rage Of Europe and America, up there on center stage." "Well, yes", I stammered nervously. "I mean, you had it all. Your star rose like a meteor and then you let it fall. How could you let it slip away is what I can't digest. Of all the masters of the keys, you were considered best." "I had it all? I still do, son." He smiled quite happily. "I've got my truck. I've got my friends and got my family. I've got my music every night to keep me nice and warm. I love to play piano. I just don't like to perform." "So tell the tails and bluehairs that old Johnny says hello. I'd like to keep on talking but I really have to go. The chicken's getting cold. My wife is waiting up, you see, But, friend," he smiled, "I thank you much for recognizing me." With those last words he smiled and climbed up in his pick-up truck And, as he pulled away, I heard him say he wished me luck. I watched the best pianist in the world drive round the bend And, as the headlights disappeared, I said, "You, too, my friend." I do get asked quite frequently who I think is the best Of all the great pianists, who is better than the rest. They always think I'm joking when I answer, smilingly, A honky tonk piano man in Memphis, Tennessee. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Dad-burn it .... this is GOOD ! I love, love, love it ! I just LOVE having a reason for YOU to repost old poems!  Love ya' ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
Battabing! You are one of the BEST narrative poets I've ever read... and i'm not kidding... the book isn't big enough |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
I'm with Marge...I just love this poem...and having a reason..do I need one? |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Wow, Bal, you are capable of some serious classics. I rank this one up there. It got me on two levels: first of all I've played piano for over 14 years now, but I'm not as good as I wish I could be. Secondly, I also hate to perform. When I do my poetry readings, I speak in a normal voice, no trappings, no pretension. I do it for the love of words. Thanks for such a great poem. Mike |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Marge....and I just love, love, love your responses! You are definitely a true friend  Doreen...from someone who can set a stage like you can, I take that as a great compliment. I thank you.... Martie....nope. Don't need one at all. I appreciate you.. Mike....glad you enjoyed. yes, you're right. Too many times the quality and enjoyment gets lost by concentrating on the performance. It's better to just do it....thanks for your kind words. |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Of all the poems I've read by you this is my favorite! (printing it) Hope you don't mind! All my love, Jeffrey I lie awake in a world filled with dreams, but dreams can be so real when you don't know you're asleep |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Yes, another one I remember well ! Still love it ! |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Yet another classic. Wonderful read. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
You should have a book of your own, or books, for all your fabulous classics! Another one of your best here, Balladeer! Denise |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Awesome - Simply awesome!!! I know that you know that I knew that...  |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Ya know, I hope I'm never in a position where I have to pick a favorite poem of yours! Your talent is just awesome! I say we get a page here on Passions just for 'deer' poetry! |
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Not A Poet Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885Oklahoma, USA |
Yep, a classic, I have to agree. Keep 'em coming, please. Pete |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
yep, I agree, this has got to be one of my favorites....very good work |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Glad to boost this one..the best always rises to the top!  |
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Rindercella Member
since 1999-11-12
Posts 64La La Land |
You tell a story well. I think this is a good one. |
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MagnoliaBlue Member
since 2000-05-12
Posts 367 |
This is great!!! Wonderfully written. If I had to pick all of my favorite writers here at passion's and vote them into a book... there would have to be many books. Thanks for this great story. My Skipper plays keyboard. He used to play piano and loves that best! MagnoliaBlue ~My Skipper Jim I love you! Your Lady June~ |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Bal... you kow, I was wondering how you managed to get all my favorites here in Voices when I realized that it's because almost all of yours are! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
quote: So do we. A "Deer" Forum...great suggestion! Sunny ~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. Helen Keller ~~~ When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I just never get tired of clicking that little old vote button for you Balladeer! This one got me hook, line and sinker!!! Excellent ... geez you're wunnerful!  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Heather Miller Member
since 2000-07-19
Posts 409Bryan, Ohio USA |
Again, Another wonderful poem. I love reading your work. It is GREAT  LITL, Heather With God all things are possible. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Rules don't say I can only vote once... Sunny ~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. Helen Keller ~~~ When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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Yu Lan Senior Member
since 2000-04-13
Posts 1462New Zealand |
Yes they do Sunshine! Unfortunately.. hehe ^_^ Wow Deer.. this is amazing poetry.. ^_^ I love this story!! Luv, Lynne "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened." Lao-tsu |
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Gossamerwings Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207 |
Beautiful read. *we need the "Books of Balladeer"* Gossamerwings |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Mike, Wonderful work I am finding here in the archives.Hope it is okay with you, I am printing them out and making a "Mike" album of poetry for myself. best to you, marty |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Hope it's ok with me??? Marty, I'm honored! Thank you. my friend, for enjoying it as much as I enjoy writing it...I appreciate you.  |
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