»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #18
»
Poetry on the Porch
| Open Poetry #18 |
|
Poetry on the Porch |
|
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
|
  I'll try to tell this story in the best way I know how Although I must confess events have gotten fuzzy now But at the time it was a sight that gave my body chills When poetry came full bloom in the Carolina hills. I have a small place in the mountains where the air is clear And do my best to get away at least three times a year. It's such a perfect spot - a sanctuary, if you will Tucked nicely in the beauty of the Carolina hills. The town is just a little spot of scattered farms and such. The folks work hard to till a land that doesn't render much. Tobacco farmers do all right - the rest are poor as dirt. Though it’s not true that grooms at weddings wears a bowling shirt. One two-lane highway goes through town -well, if the cars are small But if you meet a semi, you best slow down to a crawl! A dozen other small dirt roads wind through the countryside With potholes guaranteed to give one hellish bumpy ride. Two years ago the Carolina State Police proclaimed That all the roads around the town be adequately named. Emergency responses were quite difficult, you see, To "take the turn past Harley's barn then turn right at the tree." So now we have Two Raccoon Road and Grandma Maggie Lane We have a road called Three Leg Dog - don't ask me to explain. We also have Granddaddy's Teeth and Lost Virginity Drive (Which I can not go into 'cause the girl is still alive.) So that's the makeup of my town where I go to unwind. There is no finer place on Earth to give one piece of mind. The folks are kind and filled with southern hospitality And, as you'll come to see, they have a flair for poetry. Last year it was that I was there, along with my girl Fran, A quiet week of relaxation was my only plan When, out of nowhere, Fran smiled broadly and then said to me "Hey, let's invite the neighbors for a night of poetry!" I almost dropped my can of Spam! A night of poetry?? The thought of such an undertaking seemed absurd to me. Hard tillers of the land had other ways to spend their time Than sitting on a porch discussing poetry and rhyme. The hillfolk are a special breed..They work hard every day. The nights are spent with family. That's always been their way. Their church provides their social functions-picnics, fairs and such But, otherwise, they're not the kind to mingle very much. But Fran had been quite adamant (she always gets her wish) And spread the word for everyone to bring a covered dish Then we would have a dinner and some good comraderie And anyone who wished could join in sharing poetry. That day she got the porch all ready…twenty chairs or more, Had lamps and candles nicely placed and flowers by the score. The plates and silverware were set out for a nice buffet And everything was picture perfect by the end of day. By seven, not one person showed up, which was no surprise. Though Fran smiled bravely I could see dejection in her eyes. By seven thirty it was dark and still nobody came Just Fran and I in silence under glow of candle flame. I put my arm around her in an effort to console And told her though her plan had failed, it WAS a worthy goal But poetry was not for all – it only appeals to some….. Then Fran jumped up and screamed out in excitement – “Here they come!” I looked up in amazement as a car came down the drive… Another one was right behind, then three, then four, then five! Others walked between the rows of corn. It was a sight! I felt I’d been invaded by some creatures of the night!!! One by one they made their way up, shook our hands and sat. The men wore jeans or overalls – the women flowered hats. Each brought a dish of some creation that they placed with care Until the table groaned beneath the weight of what was there. I must confess I only knew a few….just three or four Plus faces I had noticed once or twice down at the store But everyone was quite polite and friendly as could be And we all got along just like a great big family. We heaped our plates with southern cooking, Carolina style Then sat around and chewed the fat and jawboned for a while Till, finally, the time had come to recite poetry And I was sure the recitations would be Fran and me! There have been many things in life that took me by surprise Or caused a look of absolute amazement in my eyes But nothing I have ever known prepared me for the sight Of what I saw unfold before me on my porch that night. The ladies reached into their bags and brought out dog-eared books That had to be at least from childhood, judging by the looks. They had their favorite poems all marked and read them, one by one And there were many oohs and aahhs each time that they were done. Robert Frost was represented. So was Mister Poe. “Trees” by Kilmer was a favorite. Someone read Thoreau. Some were good and some were bad and some not very hot But these were poems that someone read and never had forgot. One old farmer sat unmoving, sipping from a glass And when the turn came ‘round to him, I knew that he would pass But he produced a single page and slowly bowed his head Then carefully unfolded it and this is what he said……. “This here’s the only poem ah’ve ever written in mah life. Ah wrote it after sickness and the good Lord took mah wife.” He then read of his grief and loss and feelings of despair And there was not a single eye that didn’t shed a tear. One farmer wrote of high school love that didn’t get too far. Another wrote one for the son that he had lost to war. Another wrote a tribute to his mother’s memory….. The Carolina night was filled with words of poetry. The setting was surreal, almost mystical to me. I felt almost inebriated by their poetry. We read poems far into the night and then said our goodbyes The bonds of friendships we had formed were shining in our eyes. I sat there in the evening air, a big smile on my face And contemplated everything I’d just seen taking place. Their poems had fractured every rule…they misspelled every word And yet they were the greatest poems that I had ever heard. Envisioning in my mind’s eye, I saw them late at night Sitting at their kitchen tables, trying hard to write Some words to put their feelings down, to let emotions out Not even knowing that is just what poetry’s about. True verse is for the common man. It strikes a common bond It touches our humanity and then it goes beyond. It is a tool for everyone to set emotions free… Don’t ever underestimate the power of poetry. I still go back three times a year and, sometimes, even four. My first stop is to get supplies down at the country store. The gal behind the counter smiles in quizzical delight.. I answer to the question still unspoken…..Friday night! The word is spread, the food is cooked, the chairs are set in place. The porch puts out its welcome mat for every smiling face. Then sounds of home-grown poetry fills Carolina mist If this ain’t Heaven, my good friend, then Heaven don’t exist!   [This message has been edited by Balladeer (01-17-2002 10:42 PM).] |
||
| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Oh Michael it certainly sounds like heaven to me...I miss S. Carolina...you made me remember why |
||
Nightshade 
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Balladeer, What a lovely story. It doesn't matter if one uses large words, small words, many words, or hardly any words, if you put your soul into it....and it warms your own heart...that's poetry. Well done sir. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
||
|
Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Awww Michael! This is wonderful!! How I would love to hear some of those poems from the townfolk! You penned yet another masterpiece my friend! ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~Time has cast a spell on you, |
||
|
Morcastlin Member
since 2002-01-14
Posts 244The Jersey Shore, USA |
Bravo!!! Bravo!!! This is a superb story poem!!!!! It is awesome! I wish I could do something like that here in Jersey! (My house would never work though, it's much too small...lol) Thanks for sharing this lovely story and poem! It was exceptional! |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Michael..you gave me such a smile with this poem....I could just picture the whole thing..and feel the lump in my throat like I was sitting there listening. Thank you for such a treat!! |
||
|
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
This story brought a tear to my eye, as it is a fantastic snapshot of life in a small town, without the fancy 'trappings' of the city. This must have been a very wonderfully rewarding experience, and one you will fortunately get to repeat! The true spirit of love and friendship can often be found in those back hills and valleys. Three times a year, are you sure that is often enough? What a great retreat. |
||
|
Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart this is truly fabulous, I know I always say this is soooooooooooo good but sometimes even the best superlatives in the dictionary don’t suffice. This is one of those times, in this you show you are a master of your art and it is outstandingly good. Normally your writing is wonderful this is even better than normal. You’ve painted a wonderful picture here, each line a brushstroke bringing the painting to vibrant life as only YOU can do so. As I said outstandingly good What can I say except this is utterly wonderful.    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 |
||
|
Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Dammit Michael, you’ve done it again. Just when I think I’ve read your best, you come out with an even better one. This had me picturing the scene, picturing the people. You are the penultimate story teller my friend. If I was wearing a hat, I’d take it off to you. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
||
|
peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
Wow.You have done it again.You have written and told a wonderful story and have entranced me with your words.Poetry is anything we feel to write. Peaches |
||
|
Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
No one and I mean no one writes a poem quite like you do!  You just keep getting better and better. This is amazing, it's a long poem, but, it kept my attention the whole way through - now that's talent!...your muse is blessed, indeed.Take care cutie patootie  (keep in touch) Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
||
|
poeticdreamer Junior Member
since 2002-01-17
Posts 46 |
Wonderful story poem Mike! poeticdreamer |
||
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well it may be a wonderful story or it may be true, but I can tell you one thing for sure I am really sorry I missed it! Just fantastic Michael, a real winning story! ~* CARPE' DIEM *~ |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Take me with you... please! *S* I'll even slip that Neil Diamond ticket into your pocket. *G* Deer One, so many words from your pen have gone into the treasure box of my heart... to be read again and again. This one may have just jumped to the top of the heap... It touches me in so many ways. Of course it's written with perfect rhyme and flawless rhythm... and it tells the tale as so few ever could. But what a range of emotions it inspired! *S* Chillbumps, tingles down my spine, smiles... and tears. I think your Carolina community might be much like the one of my childhood... hard working, Bible believing people... who sometimes surprise you with the layers that lie beneath seemingly tough surfaces. As I read your poem, I could hear my Dad... a man who scratched a living and raised a family with only a few years formal education... reciting Longfellow as easily as the Psalms. And one of those my dearest possessions is a book my Mother made... a collection of her favorite poems and ones she'd written. So... I know your people... and know that few people could have done them justice the way you just have... Now take me with you! *G* |
||
|
Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
Why thet pome iz gooder'n airy wun ever dun by thet Shakespear fella. I used to visit kinfolk in a town called Jellico,KY, that is in the hills 1/2 in Tennessee and 1/2 in Kentucky. We had nights like that with poetry, songs, stories, white lightnin', and the best fellowship ever! Thanks for rekindling the memories Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
||
|
strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Balladeer, WHERE DO I START? I savored and relished each and every word in this poem. I read it long and slow..and my reply is...... OH HOW I WISH I WAS THERE....the town sounds so lovely, the hills, the people and my favorite music being blue grass, I could just hear it. what a TREMENDOUS poem. thank you so much for sharing it with us. floria |
||
|
rebekah33 Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 140MD/NJ |
Awesome write...remided me of the wonderful folks i spent last spring break with in Appalachia. And you truely captured how universal poetry can be. Wonderful job! (and illustrations )-R "So stop and love and dance and live and laugh until you cry" Edwin McCain |
||
|
Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  YAY!!! Ooohhhhhhh...I reckon this is fabulous excellent homewriting!!! (big hugggssssss) I LOVE IT!!! STANDING OVATION!!! What a beautiful story and the origin of you, our loving Balladeer, we are all sooooo proud of you and your words always touch our hearts! (smiles) God Bless You, sweet friend, we are all so lucky and happy to know you, a wonderful man of true words, who sings like a true bard! We all love you so much, sweet friend, BRAVO!!! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
||
|
Ariana Senior Member
since 2000-10-08
Posts 571Orlando, Florida |
Michael: If there were an Academy Award for the best writer of poetry, you would win. Absolutely marvelous how you describe everything. I could feel myself on the front porch with all of your new found friends. Excellent write. You should publish your work. Excellent indeed. |
||
|
Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This is great, and yes, it sure DOES set emotions free. This is a classic, oh, I mean they all are, but this is a classic right now Kathleen--(Kay) |
||
|
SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is a wonderful story, Balladeer! I enjoyed reading it very much. Thank you for sharing it. |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
By far one of the best epochs of yours I've ever been blessed to read. The vision of them sitting at the table writing in pencil on a piece of brown paper bag because they had to rid themselves of the emotion was overwhelming... I thank you for this keeper... |
||
|
Silver Streak Member Elite
since 2002-01-02
Posts 3625FL, USA |
Balladeer, thank you for a marvellous story. I just wish that I could join you on the porch. What a wonderful holiday that would be. -Silver Streak Sharing God's Love through perfectlovepoetry.com |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all for such wonderful and encouraging replies. Telling stories is what I enjoy doing best. Most of the time I just let my imagination float free and settle on some piece of fantasy. This one, however, happens to be true. It is a wonderful small town just west of Asheville in North Carolina and even the naming of the roads was accurate. The people are God's children. I cringed at Fran's suggestion of the first poetry reading and was absolutely blown away to see the locals, some of which I would have bet anything had never read a poem in their lives, show up with their time-worn poetry books and original work with them. It has become a ritual each time I return. There is nothing I enjoy more. I'm pleased that I was able to spark the memories of some of you who have known people or settings like that. I shall include some random pics from one of the readings....    |
||
|
Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Michael......Y'all did one fabUluss job on this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved the photos too! WOW!copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
||
|
LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Great writing Miguel. You haven't lost your touch, even after long bouts of inhaling noxious fumes - lol |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Look at the faces...could they have had a better time? I think not! |
||
|
Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
And again Balladeers words make me smile......indeed.....poetry is from the heart, it is what touches us. Thank you for sharing this gift Michael... On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free. |
||
|
Cerenity Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637Escondido-California |
Hi Balladeer, Magnificent,,, you have a heart of pure gold sweetie, never, ever change. Love, Cerenity "God doesn't have to be reminded that we exist. |
||
|
Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
The setting was surreal, almost mystical to me. I felt almost inebriated by their poetry. We read poems far into the night and then said our goodbyes The bonds of friendships we had formed were shining in our eyes. I sat there in the evening air, a big smile on my face And contemplated everything I'd just seen taking place. Their poems had fractured every rule, they misspelled every word And yet they were the greatest poems that I had ever heard. ============================== True verse is for the common man. It strikes a common bond It touches our humanity and then it goes beyond. It is a tool for everyone to set emotions free Don't ever underestimate the power of poetry. ========================================= Well I have waited for days to see this...I had to get on another comp as my dinosaur crashed when I tried before...but let me tell you it was worth the wait... Michael this is such a gift from your pen, the heart, truth and wisdom it shares is as treasured as are the memories. Those pictures say it all...the smiles on their faces..the things we can learn from the lines around their eyes. There are some things that can not be replaced or even fully captured by words. Beyond the rhymes and the poet ego...beyond the book deals and quest for fame ... beyond the replies and the numbers ... are the quiet moments when one persons words speak another persons heart...and connect them...We see it here day after day. Thank you for sharing this Michael... Classic Balladeer poetry that enlightens us while wrapping around our heart. You get all the spammy smooches you can carry for this one LOL  |
||
|
brianbeaudry Member
since 2001-07-20
Posts 410Northern Ontario Canada |
Any room for a frozen Canadian in this town...It does sound like heaven!!! This was a magical read my friend, and very much enjoyed by this reader....I too loved the photos |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You know that I knew... that this was a true story.. the minute I started to read it.. Had to be... It's just too heavenly not to be... Luvya Deer...  |
||
|
Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Michael...thank you for your poem...thank you for sharing this piece of your life with us. Yes, those places do exist...all around us. |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"True verse is for the common man. It strikes a common bond It touches our humanity and then it goes beyond. It is a tool for everyone to set emotions free… Don’t ever underestimate the power of poetry." I'm sorry it took so long for me to reply Michael ... I'm so very far behind in my reading! If I had missed this ... I don't think I would have forgiven myself!  A wonderful tale, flawlessly told with the cadence and rhyme you do so very, very well my friend. You always make me feel like I'm sitting smack dab in the middle of your characters, watching it all take place so vividly. You must know I love the lines I copied above ... seems someone's reminded me of this very fact one or twice lately. You are extraordinary 'deer man, and a big thank you to Fran for sparking such a wonderful tradition for you both. Thanks for weaving this tale of the sweet souls you share this special time with. Best wishes and hugs, /Kit |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Again, my thanks for such wonderful comments. You are all very special people.. JM...watch out! I can carry LOTS of spammy kisses! Kit..yep, it's true...and so are you!  |
||
|
Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
I've read EVERY poem you've posted in these halls my friend. I've printed every single one, so I can read them all again. I've picked my favorites and it's true t'was not an easy chore. Each time I pick, here you come with one that I like more. I will tell you so you know I like this one the best. It touched a place down deep in me unlike all the rest. Balladeer each time you write a poem about a place. I read them, close my eyes and see each and every face. I may live to be real old, some 40 or more years. And in that time I know there'll be more poems that bring my tears. You can ask me now.. or then.. my answer will be the same. Who's the Greatest Poet I ever knew?.. Balladeer is his name. Remember me with a smile on your face, or please don't remember me at all. |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Lucie, you have literally brought tears to my eyes with your reply. Bless you, lady, and as long as you or others feel that way, I know I will never stop writing. You are the fuel in my poetic engine....and you're a gas! Thank you, Lucie ;kiss: |
||
|
Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Absolutely delightful~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Sound like my kind of folk! Fantastic writing, Michael! Thanks for sharing this wonderful slice of life! |
||
|
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Ah, did this ever fill my spirit with the joy of poetry and the fruits of your amazing talent. This is one of my favorites of anything posted on passions A delightful look into small town life and a page of your life that you were kind enough to share in a wonderful poem I say BRAVO to the story man and the poet Thank you for this gem Love and poetic hugs From a great admirer Liz |
||
|
Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Michael, Now that is a poetry fest, enought to make God himself stop, listen and smile. And I loved the piccies. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
||
|
Zinsser Senior Member
since 2001-02-27
Posts 1641Calif. |
from behind tear filled eyes.... beautiful!! : ) and Thanks |
||
|
vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Michael- Wow...what a truly wonderful and touching story...and even more so because it's true. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and a smile on my face... ALL at the same time. I have NEVER read a poem that touched me more deeply than this one. Just wonderful, my friend. You amaze me.. Hugs, ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
