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Open Poetry #17
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The Howling Dogs Are Silent Now
| Open Poetry #17 |
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The Howling Dogs Are Silent Now |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia 
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The howling dogs are silent now. Summer is gone, the bar is closed, the lights are off, the door is locked. No more nights of music and dance, no more summer volleyball or bikers romance, no more dogs wandering in and out, no more locals to scream and shout and drink and toast in merriment and cheer, for Mike is gone, there's no more beer. Goodbye to Mike Brock, everyone's friend, owner of the infamous Howling Dawg Saloon Fox, Alaska RIP, Mike. I'll always remember your smile, your hearty laugh, and some of the funniest stories ever told, at the rowdiest bar, the last great stop below the Arctic circle. November, 2001 [This message has been edited by Midnitesun (edited 11-14-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Jeez, you make me want to catch the next plane and get up there!!  |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Aw, wish you could! Sad to say, I just got the news an hour ago that Mike passed away over the weekned. He was a bigger-than-life character, and will be greatly missed. Fox, Alaska may never be the same. FYI, it's outside of Fairbanks, and the Howling Dawg rocked and rolled all summer long, and Mike loved animals, anyone could bring their dog into the bar. His two wandered in and out constantly, as did mine a few times, and everyone else's. It was like a scene out of the wild west. I barely escaped on one occasion when a fight broke out three feet in front of me, and someone pulled me out of the way as the fists came flying and the tables did too. LOL, it seems funny now. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kathleen, this is so sad, I'm so sorry to hear this! (big hugggssssss) My heart goes out to all who was touched by his love such as you, for Mike is a very loving person, but his stories and love will enevr be forgotten, and the spirit of his heart will forever touch the Howling Dawg Saloon, as will everyone always be blessed to have such a friend, who will always smile down upon us all with his love and compassion! (big hugggssssss) So sad but a beautiful tribute, sweet friend, we all love you so very much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kacy, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
For some reason, I've got Indiana Jones running through my head! I didn't know Mike but I've known people like him....salt of the earth, they are...sorry for your loss.. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Midnitesun, Okay, I've got this one right. Funny how you don't think about the vacancies certain people will leave. You just think they'll always be there. Too good to lose I suppose. 'Cept for the beer part, sounds like my kind of guy!  |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Noah, thanks for your reply. Yes, Mike was a special guy. Balladeer, sure wish you could have met Mike, and some of the characters that frequented this haunt. Larry, you would have been howling all night long at this place. It was often a bit too wild for me, but for one summer, my sister had her food establishment there...called HOG HEAVEN, so I hung around and sometimes helped, and observed the scenery. Sis raises hogs...the 4 legged ones. All summer long, bikers came by for a brew, as well as many tourists. Often the sounds of the Harley Davidson's overpowered the noises from the bar. A piece of wild west history, Alaska style. [This message has been edited by Midnitesun (edited 11-14-2001).] |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I found this little gem WAY in the back. Sorry I overlooked this one! A touching tribute here, and one I understand all too well. Remember your friend, lovie, and toast him often! HUGS |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Wow, Serenity. I was sure surprised to see this one here again. Mike's absence will certainly leave a big hole in Fox, AK. The Howling Dawg may someday re-open, but will never be the same. Thanks for the reply, sweet serenity. |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
yeah! a touching tribute indeed... regards, sudhir |
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Opeth Senior Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 1543The Ravines |
If Mike were able to read this, it would put a smile on his face. Excellent tribute to a person whom you admire. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Sudhir, thank you so much. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Opeth, that is such a sweet reply. I missed his memorial party (illness), where I hear it was so crowded there was barely enough elbow room to hold your beer. He was such a lively character. We will all miss him very much. |
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Apachecat906 Member
since 2001-09-04
Posts 217Michigan, USA |
Midnitesun, I am so sorry for your loss, Mike sounds like a wonderful person. I do have to ask you, be very careful about posting any more stories about all the wonderful things in Alaska, as I've about got my bags packed to move in with you. I do so hope that Alaska is allowed to remain the beautiful place that I imagine it must be. Once again, thank you for sharing! Go ahead, push your luck; find out how much love the world can hold |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
1derful tribute to a legendary man and extablishment |
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Shadowed_Innersense Junior Member
since 2001-12-05
Posts 49somewhere at the edge |
I never met Mike but know the man .... I have worked in the bars over 12 years and still carry a rep whenever I venture in. The saloon sounds like Heaven, "hogs" and all!!! Thank you for introducing Mike to us ... his legend will remain in everyone he and you have touched. Cheers!! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Apachecat, LOL, I haven't even seen most of AK myself yet. Thanks for the reply. Loper, thanks. Mike was a legend in his own time. Shadow, thanks! You know the man...character and charm, a truly free spirit in many ways, as are so many Alaskans I've met. |
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Glenn Logan Member
since 2001-10-10
Posts 111Virginia |
I enjoyed this poem; good work! Glenn Logan |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thank you for stopping by, Glenn. And have a cheery holiday! |
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