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Open Poetry #18
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The Dummy..........reposted by request
| Open Poetry #18 |
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The Dummy..........reposted by request |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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In that forgotten part of town Where wasted hopes and dreams abound, A wrinkled man with life near end, In hopes to have at least one friend, Fashioned bits of wood and things And made a dummy run by strings. He sat alone for hours on end, Conversing with his only friend And found delight within the fact That he controlled it's every act. He told it how he never had A chance, since all his luck was bad Although he'd tried so to succeed - The dummy nodded and agreed. And how his journeys in romance Had never given him a chance, And wasn't it a crying shame That he was always held to blame When everyone knew, oh so well, That life is but a living Hell, Controlled by lust and power and greed? The dummy nodded and agreed. With patience that would rival saints, That dummy sat through all complaints And, with each little expert tug, He'd droop his head or bow or shrug And give some comfort to the man Who held his lifelines in his hand And helped to fill a lonely need When he just nodded and agreed. Senility increased with time As did the old man's phantomime, And feverish fingers pulled with glee The dummy's dance of misery. They never left each other's side Until the day both stopped and died. We found them lying, hand in hand, The dummy - and his wooden friend. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Balladeer, Some interesting lessons here. Like this and thanks for the repost. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
'Deer dear heart I've always absolutely LOVED this one of yours, one of my utter utter favourites. Admittedly you would be hard pressed to find one of yours that I didn't utterly adore but there you go. YOU just happen to be an absolute Master of writing in a place where all are good and YOU are supreme. The question is does this lead to jealousy and anger? And the answer is NO. The reason no one begrudges you the crown is that you wear it with such humility, you are kind helpful and always there ready to give cheer and aid. I for one, and I know I speak for many, am awed by your skill and blessed by being able to read your writing as often as I like. And I get to also call you friend Fabulous writing dear 'Deer utterly 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 |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
You weave wondrous tales...I still read you in frank appreciation. It's a true artist to make it read easy...easy to read, tougher to write. Thank you 'deer! |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
there's no emoticon in the list of smilies to choose which works...... bummer i love you baby.... this one, a classic in style, story, and message... ...... you are the Ballad, dear........ |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Balladeer- I am sooooo glad you reposted this one.  I've come across this masterpiece in my archiving and in surfing the web, and it's definitely one of my favorites of yours. Nobody writes 'em like you do, my friend. Hugs,  ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Michael, I think this poem was one of the first of yours that I read ... my first introduction to you as a writer. I love this piece for it's wonderful cadence and rhyme, and equally so, for it's wisdom and perspective on life. I am so often in awe at the unique subject matter and creativity you draw from, and this is a perfect example of why I admire your writing so. This ... is a classic to me, in every sense of the word, both timeless ... and memorable. A wonderful piece indeed.  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I need to purchase your book of poetry, but since it's not out yet, having you repost pieces by request is the next best thing... |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  CLAPPING WILDLY!!! BRAVO!!! Oh my gosh, this had me crying in tears, this is sooooooo compassionate and striking! (sigh) A bondage, sharing tears and establishing a friend to oneself having been marionettes of fates struggles! (big hugggsssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, you are so truly talented, we all love you so much! This must be published! You have such a beautful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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angelbear Member
since 2001-05-22
Posts 139North East, USA |
This is such great poetry..it is the best I have seen in years...you are going into my library so that I may learn from you!!! Wonderful work...Christine  I can't control |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, you're no dummy and that's the truth you found better ways to misspend youth. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Perhaps you should be a guest teacher in the Poetry Workshop, sir. We could all use a dose of 'how to' for writing so well. This, too, is one of my favorites of yours. And ARE you putting a book together? I would surely like to buy it.  |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Michael, this is going into my library as it is a marvelous work of art. Not only that but...my now deceased father was a professional magician/ventriloquist and having a 'dummy brother, Joey' in the family for many many years...and knowing how close one can become to a 'puppet'...this is a keeper!! *true story Michael, just ask me!* ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~ |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
...just me...forgot to click the library button....pardon my little wooden head! ~Nancy ~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~ |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
Noding and agreeing, here Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Balladeer, My sister, Enchantress speaks the truth. Our dear Dad was a master of ventriloquism, and Joey was the "little brother" we never had. I often wondered what he saw through those bright, blue eyes of glass and if he ever wished he didn't have to continually smile. Thankyou for bringing back memories with this wonderful piece. Your work continues to amaze me. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Just so very full of soul, Michael... This one is unbeatable!  copyright2001 Lyra Nesius |
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Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
'Deer, everything I think of to say seems so trite. Beautiful? Insightful? What to say? I loved it! Dee I wish you every happiness and may you always have the best of the good things in life. a brand |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
Glad you repost this one, so I was able to read it. As always a master piece my dear Deer. Charisma |
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Cperazzi Junior Member
since 1999-12-13
Posts 34Texas |
Every time I have settled on what I think is your best one yet, you post something else. Wonderful work, as always, Mr. Balladeer. |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Oh balladeer, I am so glad you posted this again. I would have hated to miss out on it. this was a wonderful story and so well written, it flowed, floria |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Larry C...interesting indeed. Thanks for reading. Mushy....as always, your replies are better than my poetry! Thank you! Serenity...and thank you, dear lady, for the recognition... Doreen...We'll have to invent one! Thanks for your wonderful words... Vicky...thank you, my Phoenix phan!!...and thanks for looking for me in the archives!! Kit...who knows where ideas come from? You've come up with some interesting topics yourself! We think alike in many ways...Sunshine...from your mouth to God's ear! Maybe one day.... Noah...you captured the essence of the poem exactly. Thank you, my friend. angelbear...I am very happy to be in your library! Thank you for your kindness... Keth...LOL! I could write a book on misspending youth....couldn't we all?? Poet DeVine...putting one together? Yes. Having the funds to make it a reality? There's the rub. If it happens, I'll be sure to let you know.....thank you! Enchantress...yes, I can see where this would hit close to home. I'm very glad you liked it... Interloper...thank you for the node  Nightshade..thank you! What WOULD Joey be thinking behind those eyes? What an exciting question....!! Madame Chipmunk..as is your response! Thank you VERY much! Dee...there's nothing trite about "I loved it". That says it all for me...thank you! Charisma...and I'm glad you read it. Your opinion always counts big with me! Cperazzi..what a kind thing to say! I shall try to continue bettering my poetry, thanks to readers like you. Floria...I'm very glad you enjoyed this relic from the past...thank you! |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
BRAVO!!! You weave a spell of messages and lessons in this poem, sweet Balladeer. I love it. **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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RosePetal
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
Hey neighbor..I am glad you reposted this, I didnt get to see it the first time around. Your tales are always so creative and touching. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
This story is wonderful, well written, with lots of truth and sadness within. Thanks for the repost. Sandra |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
We find what we need in the most random of ways. Your stories are timeless. Your talent always impressive. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Where were you when I needed help wrapping packages? *G* For you wrap wisdom in such beauty... your rhyme and rhythm are so flawless you'd just HAVE to be good with ribbons... right? LOL This is wonderful, Deer... I'm just even more in awe of your talent now that I was on first reading. *S* |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Great story, Micheal. You have a real gift for identifying what a person already knows, and then telling him in a perfect poem. |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Yes, this is one of my favorites and it is sad. This IS a classic ballad. Kathleen--(Kay) |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
I truely enjoyed reading this, Balladeer. Thank you for reposting it. |
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N orth Carolina Girl Senior Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 962NC,USA |
Balladeer.oh this was so sad and beautiful and the same time.This was written with so much heart for the old man.Wonderful poem!   Juanita |
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