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Open Poetry #8
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One Beer for Rosie..............#1
| Open Poetry #8 |
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One Beer for Rosie..............#1 |
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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 raw 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 face 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." |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I remember this! Now-will you buy me a beer? hehe just kidding  Elizabeth < !signature--> I'm grabbing my hat and coat I'm leaving the cat a note Quick call me a ferry boat-getting out of town! [This message has been edited by Elizabeth (edited 07-06-2000).] |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Tuggin at them heartstrings again! This is some mighty fine poetry here! |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ This one grabbed my heart and squeezed it the first time I read it ... and it just did it again. I've shared this one with so many friends and it's probably real close to being my favorite of yours. You are a master of the art and have dutifully earned your name. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I tried to write a "little" rhyme, To tell you I was touched, By yet another poem from you, (It grew though, just too much). So post I will, a tribute then, Upon another thread, To you the "StoryTeller" Of sweet tales that never end. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
In awe, subdued in pure amazement, I stand, Admiring the movements of this magician's wand, Lost in articulate stories of love and care, in beautiful tales of heart break and love's despair. Many a lovely ballad, this song writer writes, Humour is his forte, an expert in the nuances of poetry, A rustic's pride as well as a connoisseur's delight What can I do but bow down in deep respect to his verse's wizadry ...... Thanks a lot for providing me and many others a reason to write and a reason to smile.... Regards, sudhir. < !signature--> Death, be not proud, though some have called thee, Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; - John Donne [This message has been edited by Sudhir Iyer (edited 07-07-2000).] |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
A true masterpiece created by the master himself. I found myself lost in this and I felt I was in the bar watching as all this went on. Well done and so captivating. |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Added to library |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
What! Not marked for submission!? Bad 'Deer... |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
I wanted to read something terrific this morning and boy did you deliver! This was very sentimental, romantic and moving. A tender tribute to a woman named Rosie! Kathleen |
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MagnoliaBlue Member
since 2000-05-12
Posts 367 |
I love this! Great writing. I'll buy a round!  ~My Skipper Jim I love you! Your Lady June~ |
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Tennessee Angel Senior Member
since 2000-06-03
Posts 661Tennessee |
Wow, Balladeer! I know I'm in danger of being repetitive when it comes to your work, but this was beautiful. A tale of timeless love...wonderful! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I could read your poems dozens and dozens of times, and it still wouldn't be enough for me, Deer - I LOVE Rosie..  |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This one gets me right in the heart. *tears* Definitely one of your best. I'd definitely love to see this one in the book. If I were you I'd submit this for votes! Denise |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This one gets me right in the heart. *tears* Definitely one of your best. I'd definitely love to see this one in the book. If I were you I'd submit this for votes! Denise |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
This is precious Michael. Love it K |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
what a dream come true to be rosie and have her picture loved so dearly... wonderful verse, michael... i've always loved this one! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Very interesting story...lets see that was at least five beers...the old guy will sleep good tonight...James |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Yanno, Deer - this is a great ballad - one that has inspired me to write when nothing else could. I place this very high on my list of favorite poems, just a notch below your "Statue in Central Park." What? You thought I had forgotten that poem? Not a chance - its still my favorite. |
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nona Member
since 2000-03-03
Posts 139Fla |
Just looking back so I can reread this once more Powerful and beautifly written..nona |
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