Open Poetry #30 |
The Old Man Said |
Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
The Old Man Said I’m hard to handle when I’m sick, I’m cranky when I’m well. Don’t look cross-eyed at me, old son, I’ll knock you into hell. I’ve sucked on cancer sticks for years and guzzled rot-gut booze. You say they’re gonna kill me, kid? Well, damn! Ain’t that good news? I’ve broke some horses in my time and herded stupid cows. I’ve drilled some wells and I survived, though God alone knows how. You bring the grub and make the bed and take my vital signs. You think you’ll walk a different road, but Sonny, give it time. Come some fine day you’ll be stuck here and laying on this bed. You’ll whine and groan and wish you’d heard the things this old man said. There’s holes and rocks on hidden trails, the open highway’s smooth. No matter which you take in life– when you get here-you lose. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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© Copyright 2003 Nancy Wilcox - All Rights Reserved | |||
skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
You're right....it'll come for us all someday....not a pleasant thought but very true. Well written. ~sky Dreams last for so long, even after you're gone... |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Thanks, sky. I wasn't having pleasant thoughts this morning in Mom's hospital room when I wrote it. She helped me with some of the rhymes. And as usual, never a word of criticism. I wrote it, so to her it's perfect. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Masked Intruder
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-05-23
Posts 1231Near golden sunsets |
I've met that old man more than once. You transferred him very succinctly. Hope your mom is well. -me |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
This piece is "me" all over....and it was very well done...one of the best I've ever read......GREAT!!! |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
masked intruder, thanks! Mom got to come home from the hospital today. I've got my fingers crossed. Toe- you and several others! Thanks, I'm glad you like the portrait. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
I've taken care or much too many in their bed ridden stubborn days... and you explained the sentiments well! They're so good to be around though, despite how horrible they are. Its kind of refreshing, in a depressing ironic too true way... Always, Alyssa He was a man of sorrows |
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Kristabell Senior Member
since 2003-11-29
Posts 678Portland, OR |
I hope your mom is well! That was very well written! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I agree with Toerag. I was sure HE wrote it!! LOL! Great writing, miss.. Like my grandam used to say "When I die I wanna be SICK because I;ll be real ticked off if I'm healthy!!" |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
forgot to put this in my library He was a man of sorrows |
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dingusjr Member
since 2003-09-24
Posts 415Missouri |
This is well done and true.....glad I dug around and found it. Must of missed it earlier....but then I am getting older, you know. THANKS. |
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WannabePoet Member
since 2003-12-10
Posts 62New York USA |
Very nice write. My best wishes for you and your mom. I will place you in my prayers. |
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mysticpoe Senior Member
since 2003-02-28
Posts 883 |
Pilgrimage, stunning depiction of the inevitable which ALL of us evenually sit down with, as we All pass through here during this short stay. I always get a kick-out of those who try to tell others how to lead their life. When, ALL of us are in this boat together. some just have a different way of rowing. But the story for ALL of us, still will have the same ending. You did a nice job writing about this. Conveyed the feeling very nicely. poe If nothing is something |
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