Open Poetry #7 |
Ode to Balladeer |
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Ode to Balladeer They told me to go with them, so I could listen To the things that a poet has wanted to say I thought I had much better things on my mind To accomplish and see on a June Saturday But I went along, though my heart discontent A poet’s rambling verses to hear Imagination’s preposterous wanderings Of a so-called poet named Balladeer My mood was not willing or much prone to listen My heart was in truth unprepared then to hear The words come out of a young soldiers mouth About bravery and love, about aching and fear I felt the fluttering beat of his heart I took hold of his hand and drew him quite near I loved him like a brother, that young soldier boy A small pain in his chest, remarked Balladeer The poet then swept me away with his verse To another far place, and another far time Into a world that they called Treblinka For which I could never prepare soul or mind For the visions that I saw before me that night Shred all of my heartstrings til every one broke An filled my spirit with such grave remorse I openly wept as the Balladeer spoke An old man’s grief would stay with me forever Through all of my days, through all of my years For I felt in those verses the sorrow and the fear I can still see smoke rising, said the Balladeer Then off he went, that rambling poet To another far time, but a much closer place And told of the past looking into the future Exposing assassination’s disgrace Abraham, Martin, John and Bobby Marched into the present from out of the past A tear filled my eye, as I was recalling The ones who help mankind, they never do last The reading was over, my spirit was numb As I walked out the door into visions of light To think I was blinded into the belief I had better things planned for a Saturday night I left that place weeping in humble unrest And let summer breezes dry off my tears My heart still clinging to a young soldier’s chest And the silk woven verse of a true Balladeer Love you Liz [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 04-22-2000).] |
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© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
This is absolutely beautiful... i have no words in response to do it justice. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I have no words, either. Oh, Liz, I am deeply humbled by this poem. To know that one's works touches another is reward enough but to have it said so eloquently and by someone I admire so much....well, it's overwhelming. Thank you, Elizabeth..... |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Doreen and Balladeer, I respond to you together, for both of you in my mind are extraordinary poets. To have you both at a loss for words would truly be a loss, thank goodness that's just a figure of speach. I, however am the one humbled by your comments. And Balladeer, every single person who has ever read or heard your poetry has been equally affected. THank you both for your lovely responses Liz |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Elizabeth, our friend~ What a wonderful poem on this great man of the ballads. He just kind of grows on ya', huh? Yeah ! He does. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Elizabeth, I always said you were wonderful and now you proved it. You said everything I wanted to say about his work and better then I ever could. You are what I always said, a poetess to be reckon with. Love Sy |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
This is just beautiful, Liz. He has touched many people with his words and even more so with who he is inside. You are a true talent, my dear and you've captured him exactly. Well done. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Marge, Yes, very fast.Thank you dear Sy, All who read his work are truly in awe of his talent. You've been saying this over and over. I don't know what took me so long to write a poem. THank you. Sally. His poetry tells us who he is and it is amazing. Thank you Liz |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This is a wonderful tribute to one of the most talented and loved poets at Passions! Very well done, Elizabeth! Denise |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Liz--this man, this Balladeer is very special...I know--he always fills my heart. Thankyou for this beautiful poem! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Denise, Thanks, he is one of the most talented anywhere Marty< I'm glad you liked this. He has filled all our hearts. Thank you |
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