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Open Poetry #11
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Fishers of Men - The Ballad of Old Johnny
| Open Poetry #11 |
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Fishers of Men - The Ballad of Old Johnny |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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Fishers of Men - The Ballad of Old Johnny Two men set out to sea one day, to fish the oceans deep, They hoisted anchor, sailed from port, with promises to keep; The water gleamed like polished glass, the sky was brilliant blue, The sun shone from the heaven's down, upon these wayward two. They sailed for just an hour to a well-known fishing ground, And there they dropped their anchor to the depths without a sound; Although the day seemed so serene, it held a cutting edge, For many months, old Johnny there, had made a little pledge. His prowess as a fisherman had taken second prize, To this young man upon his boat, the one that he despised; He offered up a challenge to alleviate this feud, As Johnny eyed his nemesis, this competition brewed. "It's each man for himself" he cried, "I will not share my catch." "When we pull into port I'll prove this day you met your match!" He growled aloud, and grabbed his tackle, tried to instill fear, "You'll not out-fish me here today, I've got the latest gear!" While Johnny prattled on at length, the young man softly sighed, To him, this battle had begun because of Johnny's pride; He reached for his old fishing pole, his grandpa's favorite one, And on the end, he tied some bait, sat back to catch some sun. He closed his eyes, and drifted there, his thoughts on family, And reminisced of happy times, line dangling quietly; His thoughts were interrupted several times by Johnny's growl, Who started reeling several in, "Too small!" he heard him howl. Now Johnny changed his bait and line, tried several different hooks, While frantically he glanced about, and gave the man a look; Each time he turned to this young man, he saw him resting there, As if he had no worries, no resourcefulness, no cares. He laughed to think he'd worried that this young man was a threat, And then decided that he'd go all-out to win this bet; He grabbed the biggest pole and line, and cast it out to sea, And drooled in expectation of the trophy fish he'd seen. 'Twas only moments later, Johnny gave a little shout, He felt his line grow heavy, knew he'd landed one, no doubt; His line went taut, he gripped it hard, and roared a warrior cry, "I've got it now … you wait and see!" as Johnny beamed with pride. The young man watched him patiently, and smiled upon the sight, He chuckled at the drama, as old Johnny held on tight; It took almost an hour, as he fought it tooth and nail, And several times he almost lost himself over the rail. But in the end, he reeled him in … a sight you've never seen, A fish so big that Johnny wept, this trophy of his dreams; The young man grabbed the net and helped him haul it to the boat, As quietly he listened to old Johnny boast and gloat. "You are the master, there's no doubt … let's head to port, old man" "You've won the competition, now it's time to head for land." The two set sail, and when they docked, the others rushed to see, The trophy fish that Johnny caught, as proud, as proud can be. He glanced back at old Johnny, and he waved to say good-bye, And saw the man come rushing over, gave a smile, and sigh; "My boy, I know you tried your best, sometimes the fish don't bite," "You took it like a trooper though, no hard feelings tonight." "They want to take some pictures for the news tonight at ten," "What say you join me for a drink, we'll watch together then." "I know that had you not been there, to help me drag him in," "I'd have no more than stories, so I thank you, my new friend." Old Johnny slapped him on the back, and went to join the crowd, He posed for pictures, as he stood so tall, and oh so proud; The young man gathered up his things, and watched the revelry, And grabbed the basket he had hidden all day long at sea. He heaved the laden tub of fish into his waiting truck, And smiled at his good fortune, for the friendship he had struck. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2000 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Now this is my kind of 'fish story'!! Excellent writing, delightful read, Kit!! You 'hooked' me from the first line!! Denise |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Ah Kit you tale weaver you ....I just loved this all the way through...it's a wonderful home grown tale the kind that I like to try and weave my self sometimes...this is excellent I really enjoyed it so much!! |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
*fanatic applause* Kit, I love this one!!! What a story. . . just absolutely wonderful. . . excellent. . . a great story with a happy ending. . . You have outdone yourself with this one my friend. . .  ---------------------------------------------------- That which gives light must endure burning --Victor Frankl |
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brian madden Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374ireland |
Kit a well woven tale, complete with an important message we too often tend to forget. Wonderfully written poem It's in your eyes a fire that's wild and glorious Unhibited, unfinished in everything I do Let the morning rise like our hearts desire" whipping boy |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ Just marvelously rendered. A joyous tale. You do these so seemingly effortlessly - and oh, how you make them flow. A nice catch to end the year with, my friend. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
There are some things much more important than winning...thanks for reminding us all that while competition can be fun it can also destroy relationships |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Denise: Glad you were hooked Denise ... I enjoyed reeling you in, lol! ~Ethome: Ahhhh ... a tale weaver ... I loved that, I'm so glad you enjoyed! ~Sven: LOL ... you fanatic! Loved your comment Sven, thanks so much! ~Brian: Thank you Brian ... when I'm in the mood for ballads, I like to try to weave in a little message, thanks for enjoying! ~Marge: Well Marge ... I said I was trying to write something positive yesterday, and you gave me the ooomph to finish this little fella up this morning, thank you my friend!  ~Paula: Thank you Paula ... you're so right ... friendships are always so much more important, thanks! Much appreciation to all, and Happy New Year! /Kit |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Kit, one thing you will never have to fish for is....a compliment. You more than deserve every kind word you get. This is a wonderful tale, expertly crafted and a pleasure to read |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
Yes, sometimes it is best to sit back and let someone else get the applause. But you deserve all the accolades this time. This was great, I really did enjoy your story. |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Love it and the pic! "Every man dies. Not every man truly lives." Braveheart Kathleen |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Me thinks we should rename you and call you "Balladeerette".  Now this is the kinda tale that any cowboy would love. I am amazed at your talent my friend. Who needs to challenge you when you do it so well yourself. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Balladeer: No, I never seem to have to fish with you Michael ... you always just jump right into the boat with the sweetest of words ... thank you, my friend! ~Inot2b: I'm so glad you enjoyed Inot2b ... and thank you for the lovely accolades! ~Kathleen: Thanks Kathleen, much appreciated (and the pics to ensure I stop being mistaken for a man, ROFL)  ~Mark: Me, Me, Me, that's who! I love your challenges Mark (just that last one, well ... you know, I just couldn't do something with my name in it I think). And Balladeerette? Sigh, you are far too kind ... my idol reserves that name unto himself, I'm merely his protege! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Good morning Kit, A beautiful written poem you have done, and a very delightful read. Wishing you a Happy New Year, and may the rest of the year be good to you. BC |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
okay, a challenge for you then............the titles off of this page when you read this and then write a poem using the titles.......and oh yeah, it has to be a SHAPE poem.......you know how I love those. Happy NEW YEAR...... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
A Great Tail...er Tale! Enjoyed it all the way... |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Fish On!! Hey Kit ... you tell that Johnny to keep away from my ponds Excellent poem |
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Stan Member
since 2001-01-01
Posts 120Inland Empire Southern California |
What a fine traditional ballad with a twist of human nature. It chronicles a wisdom that is captured and passed on to others. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed this short story to poem...James |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
What a tale you've told so well... I thoroughly enjoyed! *S* |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
***applause*** Kit, What sheer pleasure and joy it is to read your well-spun tales, in this most fabulous form of writing... Thanks for your writing, and many regards, sudhir [This message has been edited by Sudhir Iyer (edited 01-03-2001).] |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Bill: Thanks so much for reading and enjoying Bill ... always a pleasure to hear from you! ~Mark: You are wonderful Mark ... that was a lot of fun, and I look forward to the next my friend! /pip/Forum43/HTML/002647.html ~Karilea: LOL ... thanks Karilea, glad you enjoyed! ~Rex: ROFL ... I'll make sure of it Rex! ~Stan: Beautiful words Stan ... thanks so much! ~James: Glad you enjoyed James, much appreciation! ~Suthern: Thank you for the wonderful words Suthern, very grateful! ~Sudhir: Hey you! I've missed ya ... thanks so much for the kind words Sudhir! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Wow! Kit, a fishing story you can take home to the family. And I loved the friendship line running through it, it reeled me in. Write on Kethry Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life. Patty Hansen. |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
oh my....loved the story....wonderful penned. superb.....as always ((hugs)) Charisma |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Kethry: Thanks so much Kethry ... I'm so glad you were reeled in! ~Charisma: You are so kind Charisma ... thank you very much for these lovely words! Much appreciation, /Kit |
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CocoBaci Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043 |
KIT, dear PoetLady, what a fabulous poetic tale you share with us... I just adored the entire read thank you PoetFriend... Hugs2U |
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