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Open Poetry #15
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A Ballad About A Lady In Amsterdam
| Open Poetry #15 |
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A Ballad About A Lady In Amsterdam |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Oh boy, I should know better than to ask a friend for suggestions what to write a ballad about. Especially one who knows I grew up in the "evil" city of Amsterdam. What I got in return was the first stanza of this ballad, with the remark; "There, now you finish it"  With my typical Amsterdam wit, I could have easily turned this ballad into something hilarious, but I fear some of you may not appreciate my humour. Therefore I chose for something more serious. I can only hope I'm not offending anyone with this tale. Is it a true story? Let's say it could be. Should you ever walk around in Amsterdam's Red Light District and see a wooden leg on the wall, you know why.  In Amsterdam a lady sat behind a window pane. When passers-by looked in they saw a site they'd not forget. She had three legs, but one was not for walking on at all. When asked if I would come inside, I said, "You surely jest." "I know it seems a little strange I walk around these streets. A Red Light District's something we don't have back home you see, And after all the stories told by family and friends, I felt the need to acquiesce to curiosity." "But may I ask you madam at the risk of being blunt, About the artificial leg that's hanging on your wall?" "Well surely lad," she said, "I gladly shall explain to you, The mystery behind this decoration to you all." "As you well know most people do not think much of us whores. They seems to think we're dangerous, much worse than a disease; But what if no one would fulfill the sexual needs of men? How many women out there would be seen as sex trophies?" "For often time is paid for just to have a listening ear, A reassuring smile, or simply not to be alone. Of course we're also paid to make a fantasy come true; No strings attached, no promises, the battle of hormones." "And how about the handicapped? They also have desires. 'Cause when they fall in love it mostly means platonically. They pay me for a loving touch; some tenderness, a dream, But most of all I help them to escape reality." "One day a client dropped by with a smile upon his face, Presenting me a parcel large, inside a wooden leg." He said; "I hope I don't offend you with this gift my dear, Please give me a few minutes to explain to you I beg." "It's meant as token of appreciation by all men With handicaps, who were at loss by world's coldest embrace. Through you I've learned I'm still a man, inside I am complete, Accept this wooden leg, I beg, as medal for your grace." "I never had another gift that's meant so much to me, And therefore it's upon my wall for everyone to see. Now all I ask of you dear lad, returning overseas, Please don't speak badly of us Sir, we're more than eyes can see." Munda |
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| © Copyright 2001 Munda - All Rights Reserved | |||
Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
oh Munda, what a way to present your "evil" Amsterdam.....but evil or not, I like my visits at Amsterdam, it is a marvelous city too. Like and enjoyed it very much. Charisma |
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arthur Senior Member
since 2001-08-14
Posts 678england |
when i was young and thats a long time ago and i carried a musket for the Queen I spent Monday to Friday gaurding the borders of Germany against the red hordes But on Friday night it was of to Amsterdam What lovely people Such happy times in the Alt sailor amonst the girls Thank you for reminding me |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Munda, This poem really paints a picture and many don't always think about the simple rewards that can come from doing something that is not so socially approved of. You touched an area of riskiness and did a fabulous job doing so.  |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Ahhh Munda, you already know I really do love this Ballade of a lady in Amsterdam Thanks for posting it. Titia A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... |
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Dennis L. White Senior Member
since 2000-02-17
Posts 1463Michigan, U.S.A. |
Munda, What a wonderful reminder that kindness and compassion comes in many forms, whether socially accepted or not, ALL of Gods children have gifts to share with others. We all need to know that someone cares for us in this oft lonely impersonal world. Let us be careful when we make judgements on people because they live by different standards than ourselves and let us be more sensitive to the neeeds of those less fortunate than our selves. This is an excellent, well written narrative. Thanks for sharing this poem and its underlying and relevent message. Dennis :^) |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Charisma: Thanks girl. arthur: I salute you! Thank YOU Sir! Titia: Thanks sweetie. Lost Dreamer & Dennis: Thank you my friends. Growing up in Amsterdam was an experience. I have "seen" a lot and, looking back, I'm convinced it has been the foundation of my non judgemental view on life. I try to see and accept people for what they are and not what I'd like them to be. Thank you all for taking the time to read and reply. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
So nice to see a post by you again, Munda! I know where you could have gone with this, knowing your sense of humor and you have reigned it in well and written a great 'serious' poem that carries a good message.....not that a humorous one would not have been delightful! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Your poem is grand - your message superb... I'm in awe of your wonderful command of English poetics - Writing in your second language can't be an easy task. Nicely done, my friend..  |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
I must agree. . . this is a well-told story. . . and I can see where living there has made you what you are today. . . well done. . . ---------------------------------------------------------- To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world. |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Thank you Denise. I may still go for the humorous one some day, but I fear that one will fit the Adult Forum only. Thank YOU Nan. Where would I be without such a great teacher. Thank you Sven. What a nice thing to say. [This message has been edited by Munda (edited 09-09-2001).] |
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