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Open Poetry #30
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A Skill Once Needed
| Open Poetry #30 |
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A Skill Once Needed |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass 
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A Pause For Reflection During Participation In The Stylized And Failsafe Exercise Of A Skill Once Needed For Survival Nonetheless, I use the right proportions so it won’t fail or smother out; start with tinder and a little kindling, then the larger pieces and the logs. Still, I won’t pretend that it’s because I can’t turn on the gas. I can hunt – with a pistol if I needed to, even a bow – and I’ve played the sports of run jump throw, been accepted by some tribes, though always as the friendly loner on the edge of things. And tonight I’ll push the chill away because I like the feel of doing it. This gives me ownership, the notion I'm controlling things, sufficient unto the day, the master of cold and dark. I’ve killed and I’ve defended, even fought what sense would say were pagan gods and won. It’s not about those things at all, at least not any more. I won’t abide this pretense in myself. I live in town and I’m building a fire. When it gets dark I’ll turn on the lights. Disgusted, I reach for the gas valve. |
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| © Copyright 2004 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Foxyoasis Senior Member
since 2003-06-10
Posts 974Atlantic Beach,Fla |
great write Fool me once shame on you.....Fool me twice shame on me..... |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Ratleader -- I am pondering this one; it leaves so much to the imagination; then again, it could be very straight forward. A puzzle you've written to intrigue me tonight. I hope tomorrow will be bright. hugs........jo (a fan) Back a second time....totally engrossed in this wonderful writing. My mind keeps going back to career changes and jobs I've had over the years. This is how the poem relates to me! If I am way off, please let me know. [This message has been edited by iliana (01-19-2004 02:42 AM).] |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
powerful read very intense |
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Ericc Member Elite
since 2003-01-31
Posts 4178 |
Wow Ed...!!!! Eric |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
(smiling).. Ed... the insight and perspective well noted on this end. I enjoyed |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed with my fireplace, even though it has a gas valve, I still have to build the burning material just right to get it to flame, and it's almost the same. "I won’t abide this pretense in myself. I live in town and I’m building a fire. When it gets dark I’ll turn on the lights." I will too, it would be foolish not to. Hugs! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Ratleader I understand where you're comming from. The metaphor is well done and I enjoyed the read. |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
Ratleader, I can very well relate to this one, as all of yours. There's something inspiring that comes about when you know you can survive the elements... You're write brought many images to mind. Thank you, RatL. BTW, grea title! ~Sadelite~ |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
And tonight I’ll push the chill away because I like the feel of doing it. Interesting what suits our mood at the time, and how we choose to combat it. Oh baby I love your ways, and I can so relate! Good stuff, Ed~ |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I enjoyed this so much, my friend... no pretense here, just excellence. *S* |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
I enjoyed this very much, and it made me laugh. About an hour ago, I was cutting a leather slip to sew into a shooting bag to hold a flint and steel tinder box. It is a nice box with a burning lens fitted into the lid just in case I get fumble fingered with my striker.  |
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