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Open Poetry #13
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Dr. Ben McGee..............open #1
| Open Poetry #13 |
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Dr. Ben McGee..............open #1 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs, Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things But they hold their hat to the U.S. flag and Lady Liberty And, on rainy nights, they sing the praise of Dr. Ben McGee. The doctor was a common man, which made him something rare. No Cadillacs, no eight room house, no high or fancy air; Just a simple man to understand the needs of men was he Yet no hallowed saint was revered more than Dr. Ben McGee. They recall the night in '52 when Grayson's youngest, Jill Came down with pain that tortured her with fever and with chilling Cold that racked her frail body as she moaned in agony And would have died had it not been for Dr. Ben McGee. Within a wink the town had gathered 'round that little house, Peering through the windows along with Grayson and his spouse. They saw young Jill lie pale and still within her agony And, at the bed, they saw the head of Dr. Ben McGee. Upon arrival, he'd made, with a flair they'd never seen A sign he posted on the door that spelled out QUARANTINE. "You folks just wait outside", he'd said, "and put your faith in me" "This is a case", he smiled, "for God and Dr. Ben McGee." The townfolk all looked in as he examined her with care, Their mouths formed little "o"'s because they saw a furious glare Transfix itself upon the features of their Dr. Ben; He gave a yell to waken Hell and clenched his teeth and then ..... He grabbed every potion he had in his case While wiping the forehead of Jill's fevered face And bellowed at Satan to die in last place And, with something like voodoo ... He rattled and shook and got down on his knees While screaming and cursing at that damned disease And the rafters were shaking like leaves in the breeze By the time that he got through. Three days and nights they watched him as he worked at fever pace, Beads of sweat cascading freely down his weary face And, just when they had thought he'd reached the end of Life's short line, He stepped out and, with trembling hand, tore down the wretched sign. "You saved her life", old Grayson told him at the bedroom door, "But we don't have much 'cause we're broke. We always been dirt poor." Ben looked from Grayson to the bed where his young daughter lay And smiled at him and said, "Forget it, Grayson. I've been paid." "I'm going to an empty house - one set of silverware, And here you got a lovely wife and family who cares. Don't ever let a lack of money cause you any grievin' Have me over to eat sometime and we can call it even." They don't have many heroes in the town of Willow Springs And bells don't toll for many, nor do herald angels sing, But three statues stand in Central Park for all the world to see - George Washington and Harry S. and Dr. Ben McGee. |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Excellent as always. I've never seen one of your I didn't like. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
This held my interst to the very last word. Very good. Joyce |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Excellent as always, you obviously put a lot of work into this one! Kathleen Blake |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Great tale my friend! As you can probably tell, I like "tales" in poetic form. Well done. Enjoyed very much. jwesley |
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Mother_Earth Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 13701/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan |
Oh, Balladeer, to have a doctor like that today would be rare. And the story you told was wonderful. I'd like it to have more chapters. Thank you, sir. ME |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Oh I simply adore your stories, and wonder if Dr. Ben got up to any more mischief you care to share? Just great, you certainly know how to spin and weave words into a wonderful yarn.  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
You fit your name, 'Deer....and like the troubadours of old, you are well-loved for your talents....now sit a spell, wine & dine, and then we shall see you walk off into the misty woods.... |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, you're incredible and in the wrong business, instead of capturing bugs you could be capturing childrens hearts with your winsome tales of wonder. write on Kethry Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life. Patty Hansen. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer dear hear, this is utterly wonderful as always you leave me in absolute awe. Truly outstanding, I've placed this here in my library because this is truly fabulous. And they're al right you know I've never ever seen a poem from you that wasn't utterly fabulous Yes love I do indeed love it Now I must fly away again, before they catch me hiding from the afray love and warm stuff Bubbles  Take back the hope you gave,- I claim |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Michael, I know I've read this one before, but I don't think I noticed how you changed the rhyme scheme within--had the interesting effect of making the intense moments of your story more intense--taking notes again, Sir! This why you are the Balladeer! |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
Michael- I remember this one from before and have always liked it a lot. The second to the last stanza just says it all, doesn't it? Some people are very lucky to have their spouse and children .... and even without money, they are rich, indeed. The value of a loving home life cannot be understated.... and you have written an excellent ballad here with a truly generous main character who understood the true value of life. I admire your writing so much. You are so prolific in your stories and always offer such special wisdom, in perfect form, carrying the reader's interest throughout. I respect your talents more than I can say here..... Thank you for reposting this. i Love it!  |
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biggestal New Member
since 2001-03-29
Posts 5rafford........scotland |
this worked well for me and i hear in it echoes of Robert Service who was fond of ballads as i recall........... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I remember this one well, Deer one... and once again, it held my rapt attention from word one... chills went up and down my spine as the rhythm changed and the good doc worked his miracles. *S* And as you so often do, you've woven wonderful words of wisdom seamlessly into your tale... BRAVO! |
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