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Open Poetry #25
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The Late Professor
| Open Poetry #25 |
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The Late Professor |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass 
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The Late Professor Professor Weller's late to class, his scarf blown back, the flannel trousers rumpled, hasty papers in his leather grip. It's twenty years now, and he lectures in the room-- It was a scandal then, you know. There was the tenure, a clause, "Too old," they said behind him; now he's late to class, and opening the case, a little frown deciding, papers yellow, he begins. Here in this room each term he lectures, even late in August, someone said. See how the hair is fading, but his eyes are firm; the hand a little shaky, else a turn of breeze is catching at the edges of his notes. A scandal, how they did it; positions offered, meetings, words, "Lost it all", they said behind him, and he's late to class, a sweeping gesture, coat a little open, and a pause, distracted by a passing car, goes on. Somehow they saved the elm trees when they took down Docker Hall, built UTECSCI down the street and paved it all. Still he comes here day by day to lecture, late to class by twenty years; and every day he enters, striding up the hall, turns left across the asphalt to his old room, and begins. |
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| © Copyright 2003 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed---so poignant, the character of this man is so easy to see, sad and touching and real.  |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
I patterned him after a professor I knew once, who was being "phased out" He had a vocal tic -- if you asked him an unexpected question he'd always say "Well, er..." before he answered...... so I though of him as Professor Weller even though that wasn't his name..... Oh yeah, and he never went completely off the edge, although he'd often repeat a lecture he'd given three weeks before -- last time I saw him, he was riding through town in a vintage Austin Healey convertable, with that scarf flapping joyfully in the wind..... ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> ______________Ratleader______________ [This message has been edited by Ratleader (02-21-2003 01:17 AM).] |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Ed, I always like your poems, especially your story-poems. I like your explanations almost as well as your poems. LOL  "Love makes the world go around" |
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Fatman New Member
since 2003-02-21
Posts 8 |
I really like this very much. Very well written. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
thanks |
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Fauxreal Junior Member
since 2003-02-16
Posts 38 |
I like this poem alot - I'm thinking it reminds me of someone who loves something so much they just can't let it go - thank you for this beautiful picture. |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
Ed, Surely you do paint pictures with words. I can see him. From title all the way through, I really enjoyed this figment of your imagination. I also like how well you present your poetry, ever teaching me 'how it's done'....thanks for sharing with us. Hugs, Pat  ..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.. |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
Ed, Sorry, for some reason I didn't see the complete part of your reply to Martie. So, you did fashion after someone known, vs. figment of your imagination. Okay. He came across quite real. Am replying again because my first reply doesn'tshow yet for editing purposes...and I wanted to amend my reply now, as I'll be in and out all day. Hugs, Pat ..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.. |
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