»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #33
»
A repost of the finest poem I've ever read (thanks 'Deer)
| Open Poetry #33 |
|
A repost of the finest poem I've ever read (thanks 'Deer) |
|
|
LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion 
|
Michael Mack (Balladeer) has written so many great poems it would be hard to judge which of them is the best he's ever written. But, for the power to reach inside me and touch so many strong emotions, no poem by any poet does it quite like "Statue in Central Park." For that (and so many other terrific reasons), I thank you Mike. Statue in Central Park by Michael Mack The statue stood in Central Park Right in the middle of the square And all the people passing there Were held in awe at that great sight, A symbol of man's strength and might Was the statue in Central Park. A full ten feet it stood upright But, more amazing than its height, Was the power it seemed to possess; Self-confidence, assuredness, And, people passing hour by hour, Thought, "What I'd give to have that power!" Occasionally in the dark Quick footsteps rang in Central Park And one could hear a chipping sound As chunks of granite hit the ground From strangers who had sought to gain A piece of strength to ease their pain. Relentlessly, they whittled down That new-found source of strength they found Till dust and pebbles now are all Remaining of that figure tall. Humanity has left its mark - No statue stands in Central Park. The statue's story is my own. Instead of rock, I'm flesh and bone But cousins, uncles, aunts and nieces All have taken little pieces. Searching for the strength to be, They've all been chiseling away at me! The statue in Central Park and I Will go together, by and by. The strength we had to stand alone, (His of granite, mine of bone) Defeated, crumpled on the ground By 'friends' who finally brought us down. I'll always be right here for you But know that I have limits, too And my advice is...please step back When you see me begin to crack For, though I seem to stand alone. I, too, need statues of my own. |
||
| © Copyright 2004 Michael Waterman - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I needed to read this one today LJ. I'm kinda cracked m'self. Thanks sweetie.  |
||
|
Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
LngJhnAg That is a ten foot tall poem my friend. |
||
|
Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Our Deer's a rocker isn't he and you made my day by posting this beauty here today LongJohn. Sending Hugs, Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
||
|
LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
This is my first read of the day, and a most appropriate read for my specific needs which spoke in volumns.... I'll always be right here for you But know that I have limits, too And my advice is...please step back When you see me begin to crack For, though I seem to stand alone. I, too, need statues of my own. outstanding...something for me to both give and receive....thank you from my heart for this.... |
||
|
NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Thank you for posting this. It is definitely a piece I needed to read this week and I can't wait to share it with my hubby when he gets home from work. I think there are times when many of us feel this way. Michael, thank you for writing such a brilliant and uplifting poem. Hugs to you both, Marti Look deep, deep into nature, |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I've witnessed both yours and Deer's poetry for five years now...and you both stand head to head at some of the finest contemporary, metered writing I've ever had the pleasure to read. Thank you, Mikes... |
||
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I would argue with you about this being the finest... for The Kingdom of Lox and A Small Pain in My Chest aren't exactly amateurish scribblings!!! LOL But then... it's so good to see you posting... and so good to see Bal's work... and I really don't like to argue anyway... well... not much. *G* So I'll just thank two of our finest for an incredibly fine read... howz that? *S* And sailor... stick around... puhleez! *S* |
||
|
Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
The Bug Man and the Sailor Man are my kinda men!  A very fine write! Sending Bug Hugs & Fish Kisses, EA |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
What can I say, sailor? To write a poem that someone calls the best they have seen is a compliment that one can only dream of. I appreciate your kindness as well as the deep friendship we have come to know through the years. Best to ya and the lovely Lorelei and now let's see some more of YOUR excellent work! How about a Toe-zapper for old time's sake?  |
||
|
iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
I am glad to see you back, Long John. And, glad to read this poem -- a fine one and I'm sure Deer appreciates it. |
||
|
Youngatheart Member
since 2003-12-30
Posts 333 |
What a fine thoughtful piece of work it is... and so I will reply to bring it up again. Aren't we all statues being whittled down little by little by the stressful events of our lives? I am so grateful we are in constant reconstruction as the beautiful experiences of our lives help heal us and make us whole again. Thank you finding this poem again for us, Long. Please permit us to enjoy your work again here soon. |
||
|
Soleil Noir Senior Member
since 2001-12-19
Posts 688USA |
You both share very well. Thank you. |
||
|
Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Not sure which is best LongJohn?...This one or "A Little Pain in my chest?"...both fantastic |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
