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Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2001-11-28 11:49 PM




We write for many reasons. I can't even count the ways
We coin our words to entertain with some poetic phrase.
Whenever I take pen in hand, I do the best I can
To bring a spot of happiness to the common man.

Some people write for other poets. Nothing wrong with that.
Recognition from ones peers will never be old hat
And only other poets know the challenges we face
Combining words and phrases with agility and grace.

The common man knows little of those rhythms, accents, spikes,
Or those iambic thingys, but he sure knows what he likes
And that's the person I prefer to be my biggest fan.
That's why I dedicate my poems to the common man.

A poem needs to make some sense. It doesn't need to rhyme
But needs to be well-structured with a purposeness in mind.
It needs to strike some chord within. It needs to have a plan
If it's to be accepted by a simple, common man.

The common man's exactly that. He may not be 'top class',
His tastes may lean toward rib-eye steak, not pheasant under glass.
Norm Rockwell, not Picasso, may be his choice of art,
And, when he looks at poetry, he reads it with his heart.

He grows the crops and tends the land to put food on our plate.
He keeps the factories going strong by working long and late.
He fights the wars and gives his life to keep our country free
And he deserves the best we have to give in poetry.

I'm proud to be a common man. I'll hold my head up high.
I'll praise God and salute the flag as it goes passing by.
I'll vow with every breath I take to do the best I can
And, with delight, I'll always write for the common man.

© Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Startime
Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
1 posted 2001-11-28 11:58 PM


BRAVO!!!!Stand up and take a bow, sweet Balladeer, for you write in all they ways to touch our hearts deeply and let us view the world through your eyes which are unique and sparkle with a desire to put a smile on all our faces. BRAVO!!!STANDING OVATION FROM A COMMON WOMAN TO A COMMON MAN. **big hugs**

Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams.

Daemonyin
Junior Member
since 2001-11-24
Posts 31

2 posted 2001-11-29 12:09 PM


I relate almost completly to this poem...  Though I do not harvest crops, I am indeed a common man.  ...anyway, I enjoyed this poem very much... I like the classic feel of it.
doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
3 posted 2001-11-29 12:27 PM


Michael...... this is a treasure...pure and beautiful... as are you...i have always loved this ..... i'm so glad you brought this back and reposted it...... common?? geesh...


there's nothing in the winds which sing
the melodies of hearts which ring
with truths so beautiful, implored
by every word that's underscored

your verse is awesome! you're the king!
no common here! the ev'rything
of all of you shines through your rhyme
while we, the audience, sublime

take in your wisdom, learn your heart
and hope we learn some truth from art
created from the pen you hold
which spills the essence of your soul!

--------------

you are a beautiful Poet and a 'deer dear friend........ wonderful writing!!!!!!  

Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

4 posted 2001-11-29 12:42 PM


Funny but your poem reminded me of how I came to write my first poem.  My mother was a very funny woman when I was growing up and one of the things she did to entertain family and friends was to write poetry.  Very real but humorous poetry, meant only to bring a laugh.  I saw the value in what she did, both for herself and others.  I haven't thought of that in years.  Guess, I owe you both a thanks.
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
5 posted 2001-11-29 12:49 PM


Balladeer, YOU, common? Uncommonly common, or commonly uncommon. Come on...
but seriously, your tribute to the 'common man' is delightful. Speaking for only myself, a common woman, this is what writing is all about, to share something of ourselves, and be thankful in return when another person reads and enjoys our scribblings. Merci, monsieur, from a cake eater.  

RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

6 posted 2001-11-29 12:52 PM


Great rhyme indeed, but rib eye steaks look pretty high cotton from here. Enjoyed
Charisma
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906
lost in blue pages
7 posted 2001-11-29 06:31 AM


and you are one of the most WONDERFUL SWEET common MAN I know....and soooooooooo glad that I am one of these lucky common people who's able to read your always beautiful poetry.  

[This message has been edited by Charisma (edited 11-29-2001).]

Fee
Member
since 2000-08-07
Posts 381
Melbourne, Australia
8 posted 2001-11-29 06:44 AM


Well done, this is so perfectly true.
Where would life be without the Common Man???

Fee

Expressions,
are the most important aspects, they create impressions

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
9 posted 2001-11-29 08:09 AM



Only the uncommon can recognize the common and give them what they want, as you do every time you put pen to paper...

Another poem, well done...

2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
10 posted 2001-11-29 08:40 AM


Much enjoyed. Thank ya, thank ya, thank ya.

Melton

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
11 posted 2001-11-29 09:09 AM


Balladeer,
You are the penmen of the common
With a touch for common jargon.
And though I pick my nose and toes
You are the king of common compose.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
12 posted 2001-11-29 12:31 PM


Balladeer!  You are far from a common man sir. Also, I am so glad that poetry does not have to rhyme...because mine sure doesn't and I write of feelings and nature...things I hope every person enjoys.  
~warm hugs, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
  So you won't ever forget me~

RosePetal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985
South Florida
13 posted 2001-11-29 12:57 PM


Balladeer,

You are a SPECIAL man! You are truly amazing and leave me in awe with each of your writings. *kisses on each cheek for you sir*

amigo
Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520
the earth school
14 posted 2001-11-29 01:23 PM


Balladeer - Thank you, wow...this was lovely...i know i'm lucky 'cause, you're creating these life's treasures just for people like me...

love & peace,
amigo

Interloper
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
15 posted 2001-11-29 02:26 PM


I believe what you write is for all mankind

Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
16 posted 2001-11-29 02:49 PM


'Deer - Very well written, and not common at all.  You have a way with words that I really enjoy.  You are first class all the way.
LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
17 posted 2001-11-29 02:52 PM


Balladeer - This is a terrific poem.  I have just one question.  How did you get my password for the previous response?

heh - everybody will think 'Deer is giving himself kudos using other people's names.  This is the most brilliant plan I have ever devised.  Nobody will know it was me, and 'Deer will be ostracized.  Ol' Long John.  You are a devil.

Marsha
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
18 posted 2001-11-29 04:54 PM


'Deer dear heart, uncommonly good, some common man you are. Truly wonderful writing, you know that you can always lure me back here with the promise I will be hugely entertained. And I am 'Deer I am. Truly outstanding writing as always, you consistently outclass, outrank and outshine everyone else. How the common poet must be gnashing his teet with envy. I however am eternally grateful that I number one of the common herd that are graced with your uncommon writings. Thank you sweet poet

Love and warm stuff
as always
Mushy
  
  


To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace St John ch2 v1

[This message has been edited by Marsha (edited 11-29-2001).]

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
19 posted 2001-11-29 10:11 PM


Beautifully composed Michael. You've captured so many of our reasons for writing, and woven them tenderly within this rhythmic rhyme. There is absolutely nothing common about you Michael ... you are the best!  

Best wishes,
/Kit

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
20 posted 2001-11-29 10:36 PM


Startime....thank you, common woman! Yeah, right..you are anything but!!  

Daemonyin...I appreciate your kind words  

Doreen...thank you! I love your poetic response  

Duncan...and my thanks to you. Your mother sounds like a special lady. Why doesn't that surprise me?  

midnitesun...yes, that is all we can expect...and thank you for giving it to me. Save me a piece...  

RSWells...glad you enjoyed

Charisma..you are always such a SWEETHEART! The pleasure is mine  

Fee...where indeed? They are the salt of the earth indeed. I thank you...  

Sunshine...I thank you! Yes, I try to make my poetry readable to all...simplistically speaking  

2dalimit..ya welcome! Ya welcome! Ya welcome!  

Sy...I'm the king of common compost? Oh..compose! Well, they both work  

Enchantress...your poetry is beautiful! No, it doesn't have to rhyme at all. It just needs to speak to the reader, which yours does brilliantly.

RosePetal...I accept those kisses with enthusiasm!! Thank you!!!  

amigo...how right you are - you and everyone who likes simple poetry to bring a little pleasure into life. Thank you  

Interloper.. thank you, good sir. (Hopefully, a little womankind, too   )

LongJohn..oh, the dastardly schemes you come up with! May you catch a common cold!!  

mushy...sweet gal that you are! What a wonderful supporter you always are to me. I am so glad you like my work. It is indeed written for you  

Dear Kit..I'll never be the best as long as you're around...which better be for a very long time!!  

[This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 11-29-2001).]

Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
21 posted 2001-11-29 10:41 PM



Once again, you pen something fantastic!  Now you know why I admire and respect you so much   You are far from commom, you cutie patootie you!   Take a bow, and call yourself a poet!  

Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

peaches73533
Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981
OK, USA
22 posted 2001-11-29 10:52 PM


You have once again penned something wonderful.Your poetry speaks volumes.I greatly respect you and your work.Great job.
Peaches

Tracey
Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808
where insanity meets breeding
23 posted 2001-11-29 11:56 PM


This is wonderful Balladeer. As a common (wo)man, I love this, and I love all your poetry. You, dear Sir, always manage to touch people when you write, whether it’s with your humour, or seriousnes, it is always with your heart.

If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please?

LadySofia
Member
since 2000-05-16
Posts 238
FL., USA
24 posted 2001-12-03 11:22 PM


I find it disconcerting that I have trouble writing for the common man. Is that bad? I am a common woman. But my thoughts, on the other hand, aren't too common and often my poems come out analogy after analogy. When the common man reads it, he thinks of it in a literal sense. I admire your style, simple, flowing, patterned, real for the common. Nice one.

^_^ LadySofia

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

Leonardo Da Vinci

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
25 posted 2001-12-04 04:47 PM


If, when you put your pen to paper
It is, perhaps, your heart's desire
To make someone think, laugh, or cry
Or set imagination on fire -
Rest, at night, dear poet knowing
Your every goal has been achieved.
You have talent so outstanding
It must be read to be believed.

See whatcha get when I can't bring myself to call me common... but won't give up my place in your fan line? *G* Great work, Deer One!


catalinamoon
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
26 posted 2001-12-04 09:10 PM


Wonderful words, much appreciated.
Sandra

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