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Open Poetry #17
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The Legend of Jenny Lee
| Open Poetry #17 |
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The Legend of Jenny Lee |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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There have been many legends penned about the early West Lawmen and desperados, boom towns, ghost towns and the rest But one stands out above the rest within my memory... The hooker with the golden smile by name of Jenny Lee. The wild west was a very special era of our past There weren't too many luxuries and life was hard and fast. In Glitter Gulch, when days were long and over-filled with stress The wranglers could unwind at Mary's House of Happiness. Mary was a lady with a million-dollar smile Who ran her House of Happiness with dignity and style. A dozen ladies met the needs of all who had the fee And, best above the rest, the sweetheart known as Jenny Lee. Young Jenny was a pretty girl who had a certain flair Of making cowboys feel special when they entered there. She treated all with kindness and a sense of dignity And everyone for miles around all worshipped Jenny Lee. Piano music filled the house with joy on Friday nights As cowboys came to sample House of Happiness delights. A warm bath washed off trail dust and whiskey quenched the thirst As voices sang in unison old tunes of naughty verse. He came in on a Tuesday, late in June, as I recall That stranger out of nowhere that nobody knew at all. Five decades had carved wrinkles on a face made out of stone Belonging to the kind of man who always rides alone. He tied his horse at Mary’s, knocked politely on the door And Mary smiled they way she had a million times before. She offered him a drink and asked what might his pleasure be… He said he came to see the girl the boys called Jenny Lee. She sent a boy to fetch sweet Jenny, then walked to the door And led him upstairs to a bedroom on the second floor. He sat down on the bed and waited, quiet as could be And, in no time at all appeared the face of Jenny Lee. She said, “I’m honored, sir, that you would choose to seek me out. I’m sure you will be satisfied. Of that I have no doubt.” He rose and tossed a hundred dollar bill upon the shelf And said, “ There’s just one thing I want –to know about yourself.” This took her by surprise a bit but one thing she had learned One never knew the crazy pathways that a man’s mind turned And if he chose to pay for conversation, that’s ok She’d humor him and hour or so and then send him away. “My name is Jenny…I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. As near as I can recollect, my age is twenty-three. I never knew my pa….ma said he was a travelin’ man. She did her best to raise me up according to God’s plan.” “Though we were poor, my momma always kept a happy mood. She hunted game and raised some corn and cabbages for food. She taught me how to read and write and do arithmetic And then when I was seventeen, poor mama came down sick. I wandered after momma died, just traveling around Until one day I wound up in this little, one-horse town. That’s when Mary saw me and gave me a place to stay And that’s the story of my life and why I’m here today” “Oh, I am not complaining, mister. Men like me a lot And give me temporarily the love I never got. I’m grateful for the life I have and I thank God above For finding me a special place that’s filled with so much love.” The old man got up slowly and, to Jenny Lee’s surprise, She saw a trail of lonely teardrops falling from his eyes. His face took on a saddened look – his shoulders slumped and fell And she could tell his soul was falling through the depths of hell. He said, “I’m just a drifter….been a drifter all my life. I’ve had no time for family or time to take a wife. I’ve done things I ain’t proud of but I never broke the law And, Jenny Lee, I had to see you once ‘cause I’m your pa.” “There was no way that I could know the day I rode away. Your mama never told me she was in a family way. She sent a letter ‘fore she died that I got just last year. I’ve spent this whole time tracking you. That’s why I showed up here.” “You needn’t say a thing, sweet girl. I’m glad your life is good. I’d gladly change the past and make things different, if I could But fate gave us this hand to play and play the hand we do. I’m glad I finally had the chance to tell you I love you.” “Tomorrow I’ll be riding out to find a little spread Where I can build a house and have a place to rest my head. It’s going to be quite difficult….I just know how to lose But it is time I plop down and take off these traveling shoes.” Jenny hadn’t moved a muscle all the time he spoke. If she had tried to talk, she had no doubt that she would choke. She saw him bend and kiss her cheek before he walked away Then heard his footsteps echo out into the heat of day. The legend has it Jenny Lee just up and disappeared. Murdered by a jealous wife, some of the townfolk feared She ran off with a millionaire, some other folk opined Some others thought the fever got her and she lost her mind. One young boy said he saw her in a buckboard with some guy Her arm around his shoulder, smiling as they passed him by But no one paid him any mind….a childish fantasy Yet there was never found a single trace of Jenny Lee. Mary’s House of Happiness still packs them in at night As cowboys put their money down for fantasy’s delight And, right above the fireplace, placed for everyone to see There hangs a picture of the sweetheart known as Jenny Lee. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (05-30-2007 06:04 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
No one can weave a story quite like you can, sweet Balladeer...you had my heart breaking and tears falling down my face for both Jenny and her dad. STANDING OVATION!!! I love it. **hugs**   Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
I swear, you are the best story teller!!! You had me hooked from the begining!  Fantastic, always  |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
'deer, I just hung up my quill. No one can match your talent. Bravo!!! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, dear ladies! Just one of those nights I felt like spinning a yarn. Glad you enjoyed  John, don't you dare! That quill's got a lot of life in it. I thank you, sir, for the kind words. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 12-09-2001).] |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"He said, “I’m just a drifter….been a drifter all my life. I’ve had no time for family or time to take a wife. I’ve done things I ain’t proud of but I never broke the law And, Jenny Lee, I had to see you once ‘cause I’m your pa.” Michael, Michael, Michael ...  Oh my, oh my, you are wonderful! What an excellent tale, from start to finish, and such a twist in the centre. Your language fit the mood of the piece so perfectly, and you wove in so much nostalgia from the old west ... simply superb sweet poet. Yes, simply superb!  Best wishes and hugs, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 12-09-2001).] |
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timothysangel1973
since 2001-12-03
Posts 1725Never close enough |
Hey Balladeer...You see that heart above the message here? That is what mine is doing right now. That was absolutely,beautiful. You and your writing are amazing, I feel honered to be a part of a group that includes someone as wonderful as yourself. Till next time... ~Timothys Angel *Whatever souls are made of...his and mine are of the same* ~Emily Bronte' [This message has been edited by timothysangel1973 (edited 12-09-2001).] |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
you are a fine writer, michael..... your words never cease to amaze me... your talent is awesome and heartfelt and i'd love to write with you again... i'll keep the red light on... LOL!!! hehe  |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Wow! Mr Balladeer, you sure are good at this. I love to read what you write.  |
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Joe Lamando Member
since 2001-11-20
Posts 124Massachusetts,USA |
A great ballad fro a great balladeer. Thanks for the tale. Joe |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Michael, See, now here's why you would be disqualified from Marge's competition! Awesome tale, friend. The past is history and the future is a mystery, but today is a gift and that is why it is the present! |
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icequeen Senior Member
since 2001-12-09
Posts 633FL USA |
Simply awesome  ...and her crown was formed by the ice in her eyes |
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Siofra
since 2000-09-28
Posts 551State of Suspended Passion |
MORE STORIES PLEASE ! Enjoyed, Sweet Sir! I am many. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well shucks if that wasn't the best darn yarn I have read since your last long yarn. Ditto Kit, and check out her bowing smilie will ya? Now is that not the cutest thing made just for you or what? Great one you dear ole "deer"! ~*~ May the spirit of this season live in your heart all year through ~*~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Sweet Jenny Lee...her mystery remains in the hearts of all cowboys... Well done, 'Deer! |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer dear heart, again the tears flow, but they are tears of wonder and amazement. This had me hooked right from the beginning. Truly you are an outstanding writer. I'm totally awestruck, and dumb, mmmmm mmmmm mmmm how often does it happen that I can't speak Really excellent. Yes you know I love this don't you? good Because I surely do. Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  I wish we had a smilie for a standing ovation because this is what this poem deserves. Utterly utterly brilliant. To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace St John ch2 v1 |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, There are many Jenny Lees, I'm glad you got to tell her story but I'm wishing it was me. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Kit, Kit, Kit....thank you, sweet lady! The old West has always been one of my favorite times of history and I'm pleased you tasted the flavor Timothy's Angel...I thank you so much! We are also honored to have such an appreciative lady as yourself. I'm very glad you're here Doreen...but doesn't red light mean stop? OH! THAT red light!  I'll keep an eye out.. SmartChick...thank you! I just love to tell stories...glad you enjoy them Joe...thanks for stopping by, pardner  Larry C..too bad the contest wasn't "Across a field of buffalo chips spread"  Thank you, friend icequeen...THANK YOU!  Siofra...Don't tell me...tell my fickle muse! I'll try...thank you so much Mysteria..as long as my yarn don't make you yawn, I'm happy Yes, I love Kit's smiley. Isn't she the greatest!  Sunshine....so it does! Of such events history is remembered. Thanks for the thoughts  mushy....you're making me feel like an onion!  I'll try to make you smile one day Sy...you just keep writing your pearls of wisdom and leave the silly stories to me. Thanks, old pal |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Oh,MySweetBalladeer~ I've been so busy with 'love' and 'challenges' ... Hmmmm, sort of the same thing, aren't they ???  I wouldn't have missed this lovely tale for all the Coca~Cola in Atlanta~ This is so beautifully told from the pen of the greatest writer I know~ There ! I've played my hand ... now deal with it ! You're wonderful, my sweet, sweet friend~ You've always 'challenged' me to do my best ... and this may well be one of yours~ A keeper it is, my dear deer~ Love you~ *Hugs* ... and still your girl~, I am~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Another great story, Mike, told as only you can tell them. I've learned a lot from you, and one of the things I thoroughly enjoy is writing in the style you've taught me. I'll never be the story teller you are, but I do enjoy writing now more than ever before. You're a fine poet, my good friend, and a great teacher. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Speechless!! That's what you have done to me Balladeer! Rendered me speechless! You sure can weave a tale that grabs at my heartstrings. What a talent you are sir! Thank you for this keeper. ~Hugs, Nancy Lee~ *no relation to the Jenny Lee in said story above.* "A dream is a wish your heart makes..." |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Marge...thank you, lady! Yep, you didn't know what you were getting into with that challenge, didya? Thank you for reading and enjoying...and for still being my girl (regardless of what old whats-his-name may think!) LongJohn...your enjoyment shows in your writing, too. If I've been able to do anything to spur you on at all I am honored. It's still your rapier wit and flaky mind which makes you the poet you are Don't ever change, my friend Nancy..you sweet thang! Thank you, lady, for enjoying and such a wonderful comment (anytime I can render a woman speechless, I feel I've created a miracle ) |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Hiya my Deeeer ol' friend. I see that you are still up to your old tricks. Wonderful as per usual. I hope that all is well with you. Just wanted you to know that I'm GREEEEAAAT!!! I've even stepped up my artistic forte...so to speak..lol and am beginning a fine art...uh...gallery?...lol Happy Holidays to you, Mike. Know that I am wishing you all the best and holding onto fond memories. ~Sally~ |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, There isn't much that I can say that hasn't already been said. So I'll just say that you are simply incredable. And I'm so happy that you choose to be here and share your brilliant art with all of us who are sooooooo lucky to read it. Thank you for being here, you always make me smile. Hugs, Tara "My heart is like an open book, for the whole world to read" |
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Lady In White
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799USA |
From a talented man A very special poem... Thank you  |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
You know I love these storiepoems very well because they flow so easy in the way you tell It's dancing on words when I'm reading the rhyme You my sweet Deer are giving me a hell of a time HUGS, TitiaA rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Oh Michael, this one choked me up. What a story, what emotion it pulled out of me. You truly are the master of storytelling. This is amazing indeed. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
The good guy always gets the girl in the end...sigh Michael...just sigh |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
We never know a book is going to become a favorite until we're well into it... but a Balladeer poem sends those little tingles of awe coursing through our veins in just a few lines... we know our first read won't be our last. *S* This is fantastic, Deer... |
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timothysangel1973
since 2001-12-03
Posts 1725Never close enough |
If I have read this once... I have read it a million times.... wonder whatever happened to Jenny Lee? I think that Balladeer could make a part two if he really wanted too lol Love it, as always... Tima It's funny now that I can't remember the pain that it took to find happiness... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
LOL! He probably could, Tima. I'll ask him... |
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