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There Used to be a Ball Park.......
| Open Poetry #19 |
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There Used to be a Ball Park....... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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There used to be a ballpark in the middle of the town Where ball met bat with echoes that rang out through summers past As voices by the thousands screamed approval or dismay No matter if the home town team would finish first or last. The stadium's been gone for years since progress changed the scene. Now condos rise to take the place of where it used to be But pennants will fly high from brightly colored concrete walls As I recall its splendor through my childhood memory. Each week my dad would take me there to watch my heroes play. The baseball bug had bitten me when I was only four. I knew the name of every player in the major leagues Their numbers and their averages, positions, stats and more. A major leaguer was the king of my ten year old world. My baseball card collection was my prized possession then. Each day I'd go through every one to memorize each face And then, when I was done, I'd go through all of them again. At night up in my room with my transistor radio The sounds of baseball playing would fill hot Missouri air. I'd hear the crack! of bat on ball, the roaring of the crowd So realistic that I felt like I were sitting there. By nine o'clock my mom would scream upstairs, "Are you asleep!?" Moms have a knack for saying things that make no sense, I guess. I'd turn the volume down and press the game against my ear Resisting every urge to have my small voice cry out "YES!!" I only had two toys in youth - my baseball glove and bat. Computers hadn't been invented - no Nintendo yet. My days were spent by playing catch against a concrete wall That gave me such a special joy I never will forget. Then, once a week, my dad would take me in to see a game - The faces on my baseball cards right out there in full view! I'd wear my baseball uniform and take my trusty glove As if to let my heroes know I was a player, too. We sat up in the bleachers - pefect place to catch a ball. A home run shot caught mid-air every young boy's fantasy. With popcorned breath I sat there and, with each swing of the bat, I tensed in case a mighty blast was headed out at me! You know, I never caught one, all the times that I was there.. Had chances once or twice but I was just too doggone small! But still I sat with glove on hand, eyes shining with delight Each time I heard the crack of bat and soaring of the ball. I'd study every movement that the major leaguers made, The way they crouched while waiting for the ball to come their way, How many warmup swings they took 'fore going to the plate, How many times the pitcher squeezed the rosin bag that day. Then, when I played in Little League, I'd mimic every move. I'd pick up dirt and rub my hands when I got up to bat. I'd squeeze that rosin bag the way I saw Bob Gibson do.. When I did something good I'd put my fingers to my hat. I even tried to chew tobacco once - did I get sick!!!! I couldn't seem to do it like my big-league buddies could But I knew that, to be a pro, you had to learn to spit So I would chew on sunflower seeds and that worked pretty good. They were the heroes of my world - I idolized them all. They played for love and honor and the glory of their town. They always took the time to give a kid their autograph And always did their best to never let the home crowd down. These days they seem to follow who will sign the biggest check. More power to them, I guess, but baseball's never been the same. Priorities have changed as they change teams without regret... Somehow they've come to feel that they are bigger than the game. But baseball is America - It's mom and apple pie. It's what young children dream of as they go to sleep at night. It's me there sitting in the bleachers many years ago. A young boy in his uniform, face beaming with delight. I sit now in my condo where the bleachers used to be.. Ninth inning has come all too soon - I fight to keep my nerve. I've got two strikes against me as I stand up to the plate And God is on the mound - they say he has a wicked curve. I don't know what the score is....been too busy to keep track. I only hope it is what writer Grantland Rice proclaimed When sharing his philosophy with words we all recall... "No matter if you won or lost - it's how you played the game." There used to be a ball park and it lives within me still. I stand right where it used to be to take my final bat And when the last pitch comes I'll go down swinging if I must Then hitch my pants, take one last spit and calmly tip my hat. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
STANDING OVATION....You took me on a journey as only the master Balladeer could do...I wanted it to go on and on....this poem is a masterpiece that filled my heart with pure joy as I read it....It will be a very long time, dearest man, before you take the last swing at bat...I love it...oh yes, indeed, I love it...You weave such magic that the whole world disappears as I read your words...Thank you...thank you....**big big hugs**  I think I will always have a very soft spot in my heart for the Master Balladeer...  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 |
no one writes like you do..... this made me remember my childhood, always found me outside....not playing baseball, but outside just the same....and the ending to this is perfect! |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
This is excellent! You're the master storyteller, you bring so much to life again. This one's a keeper Take care, Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Grand Slam ! Spent many a day at the ballpark ... Lots of memories here~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
You hit a home run straight into my heart with this one Balladeer. As a baseball Mom, this was all too familiar and I miss it! Fantastic job on this one Michael, and I hope you don't mind if I read it to the "folks" this Thursday. Change is sure a sign of the times, but I think baseball will always live in the hearts of every American and Canadian  ~* Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people ." *~ |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
Only ever saw one game live. Enjoyed your poem alot more than the game. lol Sorry, not a big sports fan. The beers way too expensive and the parking lot's usually bigger than the town where I live. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
If a person had never been introduced to baseball before reading this, s/he would now feel as if s/he's been through Baseball 101... you make the summer come alive, the dust, the sweat, the fun you made my poor legs tired, going for a home run you brought back all the memories of hotdogs, Cokes and cheers the magic world of baseball, may it last you all your years! |
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walker Member Elite
since 2001-02-11
Posts 2240Florida |
I love it and I will sure read it to my 8 year old son who loves baseball. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, Never liked baseball that much I always used to throw my bat. But changing teams was the last touch. They all fell sliding on the fat. Your poem was excellent. |
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Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
To many lines jumped out at me I'd have to post the whole thing right here. You take us on a journey through a memory like no one else, even if the memory doesn't belong to you. The part you may not know is that with each poem you write, you become a part of so many memories. There are many in these hallowed halls who will someday tell of the great poet Balladeer, someone they called friend. As always.. love! Remember me with a smile on your face, or please don't remember me at all. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
"But baseball is America - It's mom and apple pie. It's what young children dream of as they go to sleep at night. It's me there sitting in the bleachers many years ago. A young boy in his uniform, face beaming with delight. There used to be a ball park and it lives within me still. I stand right where it used to be to take my final bat And when the last pitch comes I'll go down swinging if I must Then hitch my pants, take one last spit and calmly tip my hat."   BRAVO!!! CLAPPING WILDLY!!! Oh my gosh, this is fabulous, sweet friend! YES, YES, THAT BALLPARK WILL ALWAYS EXIST IN YOUR HEART JUST AS THE SPIRIT OF THE CHILD WILL ALWAYS BE STANDING ON THE BLEACHERS DURING THE NINTH INNING, READY TO CATCH THAT BALL IN MID-AIR FROM GOD'S SWING! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSSS) Oh Michael, this one made me cry, you always have such wonderful stories to tell and you truly will forever be this child at heart on the field of dreams! (smiles) We all love you so much, sweet friend, this is outstanding! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Balladeer, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Ah, Deer one... I have to echo Marge's cry on this one... this is definitely a grand slam. *S* My co-workers will just have to wonder why I'm singing through the 7th inning stretch when I've barely started work. *S* Does it tell you anything about my priorities if I say that when I got squeezed out by downsizing 8 years ago, I headed to Florida for spring training before working on my resume??? Note to self: Consider this the next time you complain about suckey job. *G* I've no doubt that your final "at bat" will be handled with grace and dignity... but until then (and may that be a loooooooooooooogggggg time coming *G*) your words will be cherished more than the rarest baseball card. *S* Beautiful! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Michael Your bat and boy took me by the heart and ran me to home plate. Very touching, as always you are grand! |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
WOW, Balladeer...it's so nice to walk with you down the memory lane...i remember my brothers with all the awe & enthu...& that was for cricket (similar to baseball - in my place)...you give me a daily dose of stories & you've a happy camper here...thanks, dear one for sharing... |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
You hit too close to home, Michael I could always hit a curve, it was the slider that bothered me, and God had a full repertoire ... I hope I don't strike out ... I'd like to go out on a home run trot Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, Once again you did wonderfully. I loveeeeee your story tellin ways And I have to agree with SEA, you couldn't have had a better ending. Very very much enjoyed Hugs, Tara "My heart is like an open book, for the whole world to read" |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart this is utterly utterly utterly amazing. I know nothing about Baseball, except what I’ve seen in A League Of Their Own, a good film and A Field Of Dreams so obviously not much then. This filled me in on something I’ve always wanted to know. Apart from the main difference between Rounders and Baseball, it being the bat, same shape round but Baseball bats are a lot longer I could almost answer a catechism on the subject now. As always with your writing it’s totally enthralling, a wonderful story that runs from beginning to end. And also as per usual there is a little moral tale in there too, and what a moral it was, one of my personal favourites. Okay now I’ll keep mum………… Except to say this is utterly utterly wonderful writing I love it Krissy will love this as much as I do 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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Effigy Member
since 2000-04-11
Posts 486disbelief |
very well done |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Oh gosh, three strikes and you are still not out baladeer. This made me think of my three boys each being in the little league at the same time but on different teams, and my husband and I running back and forth to games sharing our time with them.. You did this magnificently. floria Floria |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
'Deer....you are the poetic master of the write of a ballad and poetry that tells a story...Nicely done sir... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Startime...I enjoy that soft spot inyour heart very much! Thank you for such sweet words... SEA....I can picture you just that way! Bet you could outdo any boy on the block! Melissa...thank you for keeping me! Marge...you make me feel like going to Denny's! Thank you, lady...Mysteria...right you are! Baseball will always survive. Give my regards to the ladies... Duncan...when a non-sports guy enjoys a baseball poem, I know I done good. Thank you, good sir! sunshine...and wonderful memories they are The heat, the sweat, the bugs, the dust...and the fun! walker...thank you and I hope he enjoys it! Sy....that's strange. Isabel tells me you never miss an opportunity to step up to the plate!! Lucie..friend is something you can ALWAYS call me, my girl. Thanks for coming along and enjoying my travels... Noah...glad you enjoyed it, my friend. I KNEW you were a sport!! suthern girl...you must realize spring training is going on RIGHT NOW!! Downsize!! I'll buy you a hot dog....pretty please??? Martie...if the Marlins could handle a bat the way you handle a pen they would never lose! Thank you, dear lady... amigo...it's a pleasure to have you walk alongside me. Hopefully we will share many more stories together.... Interloper...I had you figured for a guy who could handle curves....may the round-tripper be yours, good poet. Tara...people like you make my storytelling so much more enjoyable. Thanks for coming along!! mushy..yes, Americans do have longer bats You, mushy, are in a League of Your Own yourself. Thanks for stepping up to the plate!effigy...three words that are music to a poet's ear. I thank you... floria....WOW! I can picture that, believe me. Your house must have looked like Camp Runamuck!! That had to be so hard...and so much fun!! thanks for enjoying... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Magnus...those are extremely kind words. I thank you, sir |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Michael, not only did you tell the story beautifully...but you set the atmosphere perfectly also. I especially loved the part about the sunflower seeds. I could just see that little boy, trying to pretend that he was chewing tobacco and spitting out the sunflower seeds. I also loved the end of the poem where you talked about living in the condo and looking at where the ballfield used to be... I think we have destryed way too many baseball fields and built condos on them. We have the exact same thing going on here right now. They are building condos on the old little league field where my kids used to play...so many years ago, and it does indeed make me feel like I've reached the 9th inning when things like that happen. I loved your poem!  copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Madame...that part about the sunflower seeds was true. They spit real good! Yes, I know what you mean about the void left by disappearing ball fields. I went back to my home town last year for the first time in over thirty years. There was a large factory where the fields used to be...it gave me an emptiness that was indescribable. Thank you for your comment and how I love your graphics!!! |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
’Deer Hi there, well how good is this poem, have you got all night? I could talk about the way the lines are perfectly formed, the atmosphere, the way the poem builds perfectly to a perfect end. But you don’t want to hear all that do you? I’m sure you realise that I really do love this poem. I couldn’t ask for a better example of a craftsman’s work. This really is an excellent piece of writing. Mum has no idea about Baseball, but I’ve watched it and although I didn’t know the rules I think it’s an exciting game And mum A League Of Their Own is mine, now who’s whipping who’s video’s? Hmmm   Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Michael you are the storyteller of all storytellers!! Incredible piece of work. Enjoyed ever so much...and you don't need to know baseball to enjoy this remarkable tale. ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~Sometimes all you really wish for... |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
Very much enjoyed. Attended the last game in the now (twice) displaced Forbes Field. Those were simpler times. You know, I've attended hundreds of games and have yet to catch a foul...hmmmm. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"I don't know what the score is....been too busy to keep track. I only hope it is what writer Grantland Rice proclaimed When sharing his philosophy with words we all recall... "No matter if you won or lost - it's how you played the game." "There used to be a ball park and it lives within me still. I stand right where it used to be to take my final bat And when the last pitch comes I'll go down swinging if I must Then hitch my pants, take one last spit and calmly tip my hat." Michael ... I read this earlier on a quick break from work, and I've been humming "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" all day, lol! Wonderful cadence throughout, and a nice new twist to your rhyme scheme ... it flowed beautifully. Only you, my friend, could weave such a wonderful and wise message into this journey of a boy's joyful childhood. An excellent tale, masterfully told.  Best wishes and hugs, /Kit |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
i HATE condos!! but i LOVE baseball and baseball players..... well not ALL baseball players... just very special ones..... hehe.... especially when they slide into home!!!  hey.... MICHAEL!!! great pome, babe.... you had me rooting in the stadium.... did i tell you yet today that i think you are such a fine writer!!!!! i LOVE the way you weave a tale..... a wonderful ballad you are, my 'deer!!!! |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Hey Balladeer...Ya Nailed it...all nine innings! Smiles...ThisDiamond |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Big B...Thoroughly enjoyed this. A rich, solid, down-to-earth, carry me back home, look at a world we lived, while trying to keep hold of where we are/are going. I don't believe it could be any better written. Thanks for this, my friend. jwesley |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Krissy..I'm so pleased you like it and, yes, I DO have all night!!! Nancy...thank you! Seems we have something in common...we both have enchanting tales!!  I appreciate your frinedship very much RSWells...glad you liked it. Yes, those were much simpler times indeed. It doen't matter you never caught one..it was the anticipation of maybe catching one that was fun! Kit...I'll buy you some peanuts and crackerjack You'll be so happy you're with Michael Mack Then we'll root, root, root for the home team In English or French...it's the same cause it's one, doux, three strikes you're out at the old ball game!!!!!!!!! Doreen...I hate condos, too!!! Glad you like the players...and the poem. Batter up!! This Diamond...glad you liked it! Would you happen to be a baseball diamond?? jwesley...thanks for such a generous reply! They say you're supposed to look forward but I find it much more enjoyable looking back on occasion...thank you again. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Deer One: I know, I know, I KNOW it's spring training. *G* How I wish! *S* I'm a happy camper just watching batting practice. LOL But since I can't be there physically, my mind will visit every time I read this poem. *S* It is truly superb work... and a pleasure to read. *S* By the way... just how do you expect me to downsize when I'm stuffing my face with hot dogs??? LOL Smooch! |
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NapalmsConstantlyConfused
since 2001-05-15
Posts 529 |
you obviously feel about baseball the way i do about football. what an outstanding trip down memory lane! -Dave |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I suspect much of this grand piece is true.. perhaps not the condo part... but I bet lots of the rest... and it's a HOME RUN, Deer... |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
oh and so there is no question, I did keep up with them just fine LOLYou rock.... |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I finally had time to sit down and absorb this one. I had a college ball game going on at the park last evening where I work security. It was truly awesome, the excitement and vigor, the sport. I would love to share this with the coach who happens to be a very good friend of mine. Baseball is his life. He told me once, "Dixie, you cannot make a tough guy cry." I think you have given me the way to prove him wrong. |
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walker Member Elite
since 2001-02-11
Posts 2240Florida |
This is to let you know, my son thinks it's a very cool poem. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
napalms...I salute your love of football...I'm right there with you! Nan...nah, I was never a kid.. SEA....there was never a question!! Dixie...that has to be one of the greatest compliments I've ever received. I thank you... walker...I'm glad! Thanks for letting me know... |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Michael, I saw the old man today in his office, and set this on his desk while I sat down in the chair next to him. Neither of us said a word...he read and I watched him. I knew it. He didn't have a chance. His eyes got all misty though he tried to hide it with his cap. Neither of us said a word. I stood up, going back to my work, and shut the door. But through the window I saw him sit back in the chair and sigh. You...Michael Mack...are awesome! He didn't say it out loud, but I heard it. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Well, deer balladeer, you've penned another winner here. I always thought it was Benjamin Disraeli who said that line about "It's not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game." BTW, did you eat Ballpark franks in the good old days? They are so full of preservatives, if you ate them, maybe you got an extra strikeout and another chance at bat? |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Dixie...you have made my day - make that my year! Thank you for this... Midnite...you may be right. I know GR used it but not necessarily that he created it. Did I eat ballpark franks? I STILL DO!!!! |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
A wonderful write, Deer one. Sad, too. Progress schmogress, I say. Cor |
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