Open Poetry #17 |
For The Common Man.....................#1 |
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
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. |
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© Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
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. |
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Daemonyin Junior Member
since 2001-11-24
Posts 31 |
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. |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
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!!!!!! |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
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. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
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. |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
Great rhyme indeed, but rib eye steaks look pretty high cotton from here. Enjoyed |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
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).] |
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Fee Member
since 2000-08-07
Posts 381Melbourne, Australia |
Well done, this is so perfectly true. Where would life be without the Common Man??? Fee Expressions, |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
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... |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Much enjoyed. Thank ya, thank ya, thank ya. Melton |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
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. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
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, |
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RosePetal
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
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* |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
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 |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
I believe what you write is for all mankind Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'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. |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
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. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'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).] |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
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 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
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).] |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
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... |
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peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
You have once again penned something wonderful.Your poetry speaks volumes.I greatly respect you and your work.Great job. Peaches |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
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? |
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LadySofia Member
since 2000-05-16
Posts 238FL., USA |
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." |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
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! |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Wonderful words, much appreciated. Sandra |
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