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Open Poetry #12
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Small town......life
| Open Poetry #12 |
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Small town......life |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I grew up in a small town that could be called second-rate, A tiny pimple on the hiney of the Show-Me state.. Had just two streets that formed a crossroads - that was our Main Square No busses stopped....no matter...no one going anywhere. Funeral parlor on the corner and Ike Friedman's general store, John Deere tractor dealership....and that completes the tour Except for Nita's Tavern on the corner of the square And I could talk for years about the things that I saw there! Old farmers sat and sipped their Buds and traded memories Recalling storms or twisters or some brutal winter freeze. They never talked to strangers who, by chance, would happen by. (You had to live there twenty years before you got a "hi") I learned to play the pin-ball just as soon as I was able, Learned to handle pool cues soon as I could reach the table. I played Bid Whist and Gin and Hearts before the age of ten And sat quite proudly at the bar with all the older men. On Saturdays, Hornbuckle's Band would bring a rowdy crowd. They lacked a bit in talent but they sure were good at Loud! It really was amazing how they butchered up a song... They made the cows in pastures so riled up they sang along!!! Behind the tavern wa a park with one huge movie screen. On Thursday nights they showed the oldest movies ever seen But they were free so benches filled with everyone in town While some spread blankets on the gravel where they settled down. On Friday mornings I'd get dressed while it was still quite dark And, by the time the sun came up, I'd be down at the park. I'd get down on my hands and knees and then I'd spend my time Sifting through the gravel for some nickels and some dimes. Some coins would always fall out as the people watched the show. Amid the noise and darkness, there was no way they could know! With candy just a nickel over at the general store I'd find enough to keep me going for a week or more! So that sums up my childhood - finished school and moved away... A perfect town for growing up but not where one could stay.. Took midwest love of country and gave it to Uncle Sam Then wound up dodging bullets in a place called Viet Nam. When I got back I took some jobs....too many to recall From management to office clerk...I must have tried them all. I made a decent living, thanks to some ability But never seemed to conquer my "small town" mentality. I married twice but failed and I know it was my fault.. Not used to showing feelings, I just lost them by default. I couldn't seem to be the man they wanted me to be And never had the will to lose the small town boy in me. So here I am - the end is near - the lights are getting low. The curtain slowly falls down on the end of this man's show. The many years have come and gone to take their toll somehow, Not even strength to sit up straight and take a final bow. Friends stop by to sit and talk to me once in a while And never seem to understand the reasons why I smile. They cannot know, inside my mind, I'm living happy times By sifting through that gravel for some nickels and some dimes.... [This message has been edited by Balladeer (08-10-2011 06:01 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Oh, I like this. My son could have written it. (He was a writer.) He had all of the same experiences. The war, the divorces. Just didn't pick the right ones. We lived in a small town when he was young and he vowed never to leave it. But I know he always had those wonderful memories. |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Oh my...you have left me speechless...what a nostalgic walk you have taken me on...but please sir...you are ok? |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Joyce,,,thank you for reading. Yes, there are many that could write this one... Paula...you sweet lady! Thank you for caring. I am fine and fit as the proverbial fiddle...just some fact and fantasy intermingled  |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
"By sifting through that gravel for some nickels and some dimes...." a perfect poem, my 'deer Poet....with a perfectly awesome last line...... i love the way you write....... your lines will live on...... and on...... no doubt in my mind oh... and do you really play bid whist??? very very very cool..... geez... haven't played that for years... love it [This message has been edited by doreen peri (edited 03-11-2001).] |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I sat here the whole time with the biggest smile on my face. That is when you know you are "older" when you can relate to the cost of the items mentioned in your story, and relate to the importance of the tales of the "tavern". I really enjoyed this so very much, and appreciate the effort and fun you must have had putting this together, not only for yourself, but the reader. Just fantastic, thanks.  ~*~A poet is someone who reads more than they write ~*~ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
An amazing tale, as only you can write. Wonderful read.  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
You've kicked up some South Dakota dust here in my eyes...listening to my uncles and aunts talking through the afternoon sunlight...having the big noon meal...pulling out the marble board for a marathon "I'll beat you" championship where, by midnight, everyone was changing rules to put an edge to the game.... I guess SEA finally yelled loud enough for you to come play with us.... excellent.... |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
this is just too good..and whether fact or fantasy..it's all too real in many lives...wondering which is real or not...wondering how much the VietNam war played it's part in the destruction of many lives today...unknown to those who have incurred the delayed reaction..just some thoughts that tend to interrupt my life... I did love your poem, and the small town living...as I have lived that life for my last 25 years...and it is still there in all it's glory...and it's why I wish to remain here for it's simplistic lifestyle. ~Wynter/Maureen (sorry am in a wordy mood this morning) "The worst prison would be a closed heart". ...Pope John Paul II |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"So that sums up my childhood - finished school and moved away... A perfect town for growing up but not where one could stay.." I loved this!  No one weaves a tale so vividly as you Michael. I swear that by the time I finished reading this, that I "was there". You enrich your ballads with such reality and substance, that some day I fear as an old woman, when I start reminiscing, I'll be recollecting all your ballads, and thinking that I actually lived them, LOL. Best wishes, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 03-11-2001).] |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This is wonderful. Inspiring. I'm going to write a spinoff around Race Day here in Indianapolis of how it was to grow up 2 blocks from the Indy 500. Maybe. I enjoyed.....midwest is still hoping though Kathleen Blake "When red-haired girls scamper like roses over the rain-green grass, and the sun drips honey." Laurie Lee |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
From one show me state poet to another ... Trust me when I tell ya... you have indeed gotten past your small town mentality THIS is a perfect example of why we both need and miss your words of wisdom so... awesome write sweet Deer ... youre so cool  me |
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Just A Woman Senior Member
since 2001-03-10
Posts 507 |
This is a treasure. Brought smiles and tears and such emotion to me. You are quite gifted. I've often reflected upon small towns and had to smile at your descriptions. I shall place this in my library to read many times over. I thank you, for sharing this. Am so glad I read it. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Good grief! Did your neighbor write this?...This is one of your best pal...I hate to compliment without one smart a** remark, but this one really doesn't justify anything but praise.... |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
You're such a great story teller. Able to intermix things and bring it across like you do. Enjoyed this one |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
This is an absolutely delightful piece, especially after setting our minds at ease with your response to Paula. I just must take a copy of this. It could be about some towns around here. I didn't grow up in my small town, but I love the peace of it and the fact that it's only a 2 mile walk to and from the edges of it, well pretty much. May I take a copy? If so, could you e-mail me your answer? Please. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Your poetic skills are just wonderful ! How you weave with seemingly great ease. I would imagine that somewhere in that small town there would be a plaque with your name on it ... and when they gather at Nita's Tavern surely they mention your name. Great weave, my friend. 'inside my mind, I'm living happy times' And that says it all ! *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Mother_Earth Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 13701/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan |
This is just great, but I am mad!! I have lived in small towns all my life and NEVER did I live in one like this! Who can I write to to complain? I love this!! ME |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer--This is a marvelous piece of writing, told in such an endearing way..filled with real life charm! Thank you for being so good at bringing smiles. Very glad to see you! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, The quality of your writing is top notch. I've never found it less. Of all the poets I have read You are the best. |
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Packratmike Senior Member
since 2001-02-25
Posts 632California, USA |
An excellent, entertaining, nostalgic read. Thank you! Packratmike |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Thanks for this, Balladeer. Brings back some enjoyable memories similar to your own. Well done, sir. |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Hello!!! Nice to see you sweetie! I've been missing you! This is fantastic, as usual....tuggin at my heart, making me miss my home town...not quite as small though.....now I live in a town like you've described.....it's taken only 2 years to get a "hi".....the end of this sure got to me....love this Balladeer... SEA |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Kit stole my reply! But it is true, no one else spins a tale quite like you! Excellence shows everytime. |
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JLR Senior Member
since 2001-02-04
Posts 1785 |
What can I say that hasn't already been said? I was born in a town like this and I miss it even more since reading your beautiful words. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
I'm still living in that small town...but I can relate and I have to agree with the others .. thanks for sharing...... this will affect many....great work !! The poet is like a cocoon; in him the caterpillar of the past finds rest, and from him the butterfly of the future emerges. |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
Welcome back! You sure were missed. So good to see you back writing as no one else can. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My heartfelt thanks to all of you wonderful people and poets...you make writing such a pleasure...yep, you, too, Toe I won't be gone so long again....promise |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
I am going to hold you to that promise.......... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
SEA....he knows you won't be alone....we'll corral him in.... |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
The greatest story teller I know You manage to pull the reader right into the situation every time, This was worth waiting for Congratulations on another fine piece Liz |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I grew up in the sticks some 10 miles outside a small town... No nickels and dimes dropped on the gravel road passing our house and no taverns were even mentioned in the heart of Baptist country. *G* Still, you weave a tale so well, I have to agree with Kit... your words become our memories. *S* Another masterpiece, Deer one... and it's so good to have you back! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A pleasure to read Balladeer...James |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Fantastic piece of writing! It's always a pleasure! |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, you are one of the few people I know who can put a story together in such a way that the reader lives it and gets carried along by the tide of pure emotion that you exude. Added to that the perfect timing and phraseologymakes you a delight to read at anytime of the day and night. You are a Reader's Digest Poet and you truly live up to the passions reputation of poetry for the people. write on Kethry Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life. Patty Hansen. |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Growing up in the country of a very small town in Wis. I can really relate to this. What a wonderful piece! Since age 20, I've always thought it a great place to visit. Thanks for writing and sharing this gem. Rae |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
This is a fine story, told impressively. I was glad to read that you personally, are doing well. Really enjoyed reading this. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I'm SO glad you all these memoried ramblings of my mind. Thank you!! Many years ago, when I was living in SOuth America I brought a family up with me to visit my home town. The man said, in his broken English, " I see Miami, I see New York and I see California....now finally I see America!" He was so right..... |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
What a wonderful tale, deer! Corinne |
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PaulF Junior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 19 |
What a great story Balladeer. I'm from a small town in Missouri myself, although now it's growing and growing. But I love the intimacy you feel growing up where everybody knows your name. Paul |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Double take: the town in Montana still counts to 1500, 7 churches 8 bars and lovely memories. Mother was from the "show me state" and my husband did his time in Vietnam. Thanks for the walk down a country lane. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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Carla Sue New Member
since 2011-08-10
Posts 1 |
I grew up in this town also. I couldn't think of a better town to raise children. I have some very fond memories and made some lifetime friends. It doesn't matter how many years go by they are still the best friends. This town was special because for all it's 200 people populous It was rich in community. The statement it takes a village to grow children could have be set in this small Missouri town. I must add I thought of Rod Mckuen when I read this I could here the music playing to the words Good Job [This message has been edited by Carla Sue (08-11-2011 12:09 AM).] |
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Klassy Lassy Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187Oregon |
No one understands the art of story poetry or writes it better than you do, whether it's fact or fiction. Everyone relates somehow, and I have such respect for your ability to move them and make them smile or bring them to tears...like with your poem: There's a Small Pain in My Chest, because there is real life truth in it.... You may have grown out of a small town, but only because your heart kept growing and needed more room to do it's work. I've been reading your poetry for six years now, and do not want to think how much I would have missed if you weren't the poet that you are!   ~Lassy |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Carla, you certainly do know of which I speak, coming from our same little corner of the world. I found it to be a place I needed to leave after graduation but I feel blessed that I grew up there and would not have chosen anywhere else. It was a magical time and place. Lassy, as always, you honor me with such kind thoughts and praise. If I have made any difference in your life at all, or brought any smile to your face, my writings are justified. Thank you, sweet lady. |
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