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Open Poetry #19
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The Fourth Tenor...definitely the last one, Mushy
| Open Poetry #19 |
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The Fourth Tenor...definitely the last one, Mushy |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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With broom held tightly in my hand, I swept the large stage floor, Cleaned up debris accumulated from the night before. The tenors had been ON last night, of that there was no doubt. The crowd had been delirious with seats again sold out. Carreras had been in rare form. Domingo's voice was sweet And Luciano Pavarotti brought them to their feet. How blessed I was to work with these great men the whole year through. Though but a stagehand I felt that I was important, too. I heard the echo of her footsteps down the center aisle And looked to see a gorgeous face with such a brilliant smile. I took my hat off quickly, did my best to stand up tall. One tries to look one's best when Sarah Brightman comes to call. "Excuse me, sir," I heard her say. "Could you please help me out? I need to know if, by chance, Pavarotti is about." "I'm sorry, Ms. Brightman," I said, voice filled with regret. "The three of them went out to lunch and haven't come back yet." "Oh, no!", she cried. "He promised me that, if I came along, He'd have the time to help me to rehearse my newest song. The edges are still rough, I fear, the ending not yet clean. Bocelli and I perform next week a duet for the Queen." "Ms. Brightman." I said, not believing that the voice was mine, "Forgive me if I seem to be a little out of line. Though I'm no Pavarotti, I've had some experience And I'd be glad to join you, if you care to take the chance." A look of absolute surprise showed up on Sarah's face. A lesser woman would have laughed but Sarah held her grace. I saw a tiny twinkle in the corner of her eye. She said, "All right, my stagehand friend, let's give this thing a try." From out of nowhere someone sat there at the baby grand. Ms. Brightman took a sheet of music, placed it in my hand. I stood there, shaking so bad I could barely hold the page. Just me and Sarah Brightman, there - alone - on center stage. The music started. She began, her voice so rich and clear I half expected rainbows and an angel to appear. Then my turn came. I made a small prayer to my virgin saint That she would give me strength enough to not fall down and faint. I felt the notes escape my lips and hover in the air. Ms. Brightman's eyes grew twice their size, sheer pleasure in her stare. My voice was so melodious, so rich in harmony, It seemed impossible that it was coming out of me! We sang. Oh, how we sang! Two perfect voices intertwined. Her face was lit in rapture and I'd no doubt so was mine. Her voice rose up and so did mine. Her voice fell. Mine did too. So synchronized the song came from one throat instead of two. By now we both were crying. Tears came streaming from our eyes And still the notes came pouring out and rising to the skies. By this time we were lovers, hearts and souls completely bared, Orgasmic, this kaleidoscope of passion we now shared. No world existed that we knew outside of this one song. No life or death, no rich or poor, not even right or wrong. My turn - her turn - then both together. On and on it went And, by the time it ended, we were both completely spent. We stood there for a second, stunned by what had taken place, Survivors of a bomb blast would have worn that kind of face, And though it would have pleasured me to stand there until dawn, She whispered, "Thank you, stagehand friend", then turned and she was gone. I hadn't known it at the time but, midway through it all, The tenors had returned from lunch and stood there in the hall. Their faces were in shocked amazement as we sang along, Then all rushed in, applauding, at the ending of the song. "Bravo!", Domingo shouted out. Carreras yelled, "Bravo!" And Pavarotti came to me, his face was all aglow. "Bravo", he smiled, admiringly. "What music you two make!" He clasped my shoulders in his hands. Then he began to shake…… He shook. He shook! "Wake up, my boy! This is no time to sleep. If I recall, we're paying you to use your broom and sweep!" He smiled, "Come on, my weary friend, get up and get to it. Don't want to see your favorite tenor slip into the pit!" Oh, no! It hadn't been at all the wonder it had seemed. 'Twas nothing but a figment of a weary stagehand's dream! The tenors chuckled, smilingly, then turned and walked away To leave me by myself to face the harshness of the day. I walked across the empty stage where Sarah and I stood. Though nothing but a fantasy, the memories tasted good. I looked out at the audience, acknowledged their "Encore!!", Then deeply bowed to empty seats and - smiling - swept the floor. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
 I love how you do what you do..... |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, I just love the way you weave a tale  I'm so glad you are here for me and everyone to enjoy Hugs  Tara "My heart is like an open book, for the whole world to read" |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
God Bless your Mother for having you, and the big guy upstairs for gifting you! This was just so damn awesome (is that word allowed LOL) well it was! I wish she had draped a scarf about your neck somewhere in the rehearsal and when you bowed to the empty audience, the scarf fell from your neck to the floor (cool huh?). Admit it  ~* Imagination is more important than knowledge *~ |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
BRAVO!!! (throws roses up on the stage to your feet) YAY, I LOVE IT, SWEET FRIEND, THE WAY YOU TELL STORIES IN VERSE ALWAYS AMAZES ME!!! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSS) Good show, dear chap, this is a symphony of delight! I LOVE IT!!! We all love you so so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!   May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart, Ohhhhhhh how I love this poem it has style it has grace it flows across the page with perfection. Its timing is excellent, the music within is heard. In the words of my dearest daughter this is ‘Singing To Be Heard’ Thank you darling man this is exquisite, it tops the list of my favourites of yours, I could hear this a thousand times and still be enthralled enchanted, and totally drawn into the play that this perfect poem is. It runs just as a film projected onto my mind with the sheer artistry and excellence of your words. You have crafted this with the precision and beauty of a master. What else can I say except thank you thank you thank you its wonderful. An added bonus is that my darling daughter won’t be on the computer until much later so I’m here first, now that really makes my day I know I’m easily pleased. And it’s quite fun to play tag with her across the forum. Are you sure it’s the last one? Mmmmm you do have such an awesome talent that it would be a pity, a great pity to keep all these priceless jewels in the vaults.  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 Luke 2:79 |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Trying to pick my favorite Balladeer poem is impossible... it's like trying to choose between flawless gems when each one is exquisite. But this poem has a permanent place among the 5 or 6 treasures that have entwined themselves around my heart and pass through my thoughts often... I may not be able to quote them, but I remember them and always will. Their impact is as great as their excellence. *S* But as I've told you before, this one is special to me... it brought Bocelli into my life and CD cabinet... I'd be grateful for that even if your poetry didn't soar with its songs to the soul. *S* [This message has been edited by suthern (02-28-2002 03:20 PM).] |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
BRAVO! Being a baritone, and Irish, I love a good (Irish) tenor almost as much as I like a good story Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
’Deer Hi there, excuse me while I get rid of the opposition Hey mum move out the way the younger prettier model is here Don’t worry she knows I only mean it lovingly. Oh wow this is marvellous, I knew you were a great writer, of course I’ve had gems of yours read to me before you know, but this one beats them all. It possibly doesn’t because each time I read one, or hear one, I think this is the best, and the next one and the next one. Still this is the ultimate in poetry, your use of rhythm, music and pace in this is so superior. You seem to have an instinctive and total understanding of internal harmonies. This screams class act, M’sieur tu e’st formidable I can see why they call you Mr Balladeer, and why mum says you are a superior poet, you are. Could I request a single gem to shine once a week, a sort of learning experience for me, pretty please It would be so educational for me, and I’m sure there are thousands of readers out there who would love the chance to read such shining examples of poetic art.  Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Oh Baladeer, this has got me chuckling so , It is wonderful. You wrote about some of my favorites, I adore these men and have their cd's, so I am going along reading, Oh how nice he is writing about Opera, I am not the only one who loves it. Then the ending caught me by surprise., It is truly a magnificent poem. Great work. very entertaining. floria Floria |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
of course, this is one of my favorites from you... reading this now, i can hear Sarah singing "The Prayer" with Andrea Bocelli and "There For Me".... *sigh*..... "Time to Say Goodbye" was one that always made me cry too hard to listen to all the way through but I still listen anyway because her voice is so beautiful and the way she sings that one makes me feel like never saying goodbye to great art such as this piece of poetry you have penned here... This is classic Michael Mack and I do love it so much!! thank you for reposting this so those new to your work can read the beauty of your verse.....it is soooooo good!!!! *rising to applaud* |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
SEA...and I love how you love what I do Tara..there's nowhere else I would rather be. Thank you Mysteria...cool, indeed, I admit! I may have to hire you as a poetry consultant for the next one. Thank you, wonderful lady, for being you.... Noah....forgrt the roses...throw MONEY!!! Marsha...I can't keep pulling out my jewels now, can I?  Thank you, lady. I love that you love it so.... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Suthern girl...yes, I remember that this introduced you to Bocelli. That fact alone makes everything worthwhile...your warm words are pure icing on the cake. Thank you, sweetheart Interloper..a tenor and an Irishman? I KNEW you were man of class! I thank you, sir, and that's no blarney! Krissy...ah, the other half of the Dynamic Duo makes an appearance...the younger, prettier model? Oh, boy! Methinks those are fighting words! I wouldn't fall asleep tonight if I were you...but thank you so much for your kindness and it was wonderful knowing you! floria...I'm glad you liked it. They are my favorites, too....especially Sarah Doreen...yes, nobody does it like she does. A good friend sent me a cd of hers that I listen to constantly. Maybe if I send her a copy of this poem, she'll acknowledge it, yathink? hmmm...thank you for your wonderful words. They are music to my ears |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
This is absolutely SUPERB, Michael...I was beginning to think you were actually a tenor as well as a poet, until you woke up from the dream. Pavorotti is my favorite opera singer...and many years ago I dreamt that he came to my house and cooked dinner for me. He made a wonderful anitpasto and then we had pasta with pesto sauce, and for dessert, we had a wonderful Italian cake...I can't remember what its called though...but it was delicious. Then he serenaded me all night long.  The best part was, when I woke up...I hadn't even gained an ounce from all of his wonderful cooking. I have truly enjoyed this poem...it is one of my favorite of yours, along with "Poetry On The Porch" Thanks for sharing it with us.  copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
The last one? No, Sir...never the last... more, please! |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Always good to read your upbeat (ahem) words, Deer! Cor |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
And thou should take a noble bow sweet prince of poetic kind... Thoroughly enjoyed this. Reading your other stuff. Not bad for a dreamer... I wouldn't know ThisDiamond |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
’Deer Hi there, as if my mum would harm me, I’m her little babe, she did threaten to beat me about the head and shoulders with a wooden stick. But I made her a cup of hot chocolate and she forgave me. If all else fails feed mum chocolate it always works. This is a wonderful poem I’ve printed it out and hung it on my wall at home, I told you I liked it a lot, I don’t take just anyone home, I’m choosy. Thank you again, and please lets have some more. Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Lyra...sounds like a wonderful dream...would make a good poem! Thank you for enjoying it, Madame  Sunshine...insatiability looks good on you!! Corinne..LOL! and always good to see your name, lady... Diamond girl...hah! You have dreamer written all over you! Krissy...thank you for taking me home....doesn't happen often  |
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