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Open Poetry #34
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Utility Man . . . a reminder
| Open Poetry #34 |
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Utility Man . . . a reminder |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass 
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Because --a year later-- I think it's time this was read again...and for no other reason I need to say. Utility Man There’s no glamour in it, no wheeled tornado ripping down the blacktop, only the need to make it strong, a utility not an adventure, then to use it like you planned and hold it together for as long as it takes. It is a symphony promulgated in tones of what works, what can pass for permanence in a world of jangled entropy where flash is the name of a hero and Darwin strikes hard at any man who dares claim normal as his passion. The real insults every sense leaves a longing for the solid iron of thought to win out even once over the quick pink steel of bad for fun and beggared passion in a clown suit fashioned to seem bereft in the exact center of plenty. Oh save us all from ordinary if the worship of bizarre has defined itself so, and a close look into the bazaar of senses shows basic gray monsterous, standing sharp as a castle guard in sheer contrast to the whelming kaleid of nincompoop pastel and augmented fluoroshock. I’ll be the utility man, build plain and useful and complete from the materials I have, and though I try for more there’s a base that won’t flow like mercury or a false friend, seeking the lowest and bringing nothing but the heavy silver poison of calculated obsolescence. And so I make life as I must, use it as I have to do, and you will use it too, that much I know. If you don’t trust yours, mine’s waiting. It isn’t stunning, isn’t fast, durability its only redeeming quality. Paint it as you will, the color returns; run it as you will, it will last. |
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| © Copyright 2005 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
And so I make life as I must, use it as I have to do, and you will use it too, that much I know. If you don’t trust yours, mine’s waiting. It isn’t stunning, isn’t fast, durability its only redeeming quality. Paint it as you will, the color returns; run it as you will, it will last. So glad that you reposted this one Ed as I had not yet seen it. Full of thought and it speaks volumes. Nice new pic too. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
thanks for saying |
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Elan Member
since 2002-05-03
Posts 382State of Wide Eye |
To be utilized for good.. seems most apropos. And still, we are careful, aren't we? Well done, Sir. |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
And so I make life as I must, use it as I have to do, and you will use it too, that much I know. If you don’t trust yours, mine’s waiting. It isn’t stunning, isn’t fast, durability its only redeeming quality. Paint it as you will, the color returns; run it as you will, it will last. No facade, just honest ta goodness heartfelt emotions, which is a rare treasure...your every woman's dream! Outstanding Ed...thank you for sharing. |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Naw, women say things like that.... but when it comes right down to it, the badboy wins every time, or so near to it that the good guy's score hardly matters. This poem is a reminder to me of what my goals are, and should be...sort of a check ride. ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I loved the stark truth of this a year ago... and love it more now. But I'll argue with your response. *S* For though many women do seek the excitement of the bad... others appreciate the good... and see the excitement in someone doing well what he needs to do... sees the romance in him simply being there supporting, encouraging and loving without fanfare. Heroic also is one who does the mundane, day after day, without complaint... because he's the one who needs to do it... Excellent write... yes! |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
"Oh save us all from ordinary if the worship of bizarre has defined itself so" Bless you, Sir!!!! This is excellent. BTW I like the pic. |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Solid and reliable. That's how I like my utilities and my men.  Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
well see Ed, theres the problem...younger women always seem to pick the bad guys, but when women grow older, they realize, those good guys they lost... So if your looking for a younger woman...then perhaps your statement is true...I suppose it suits every man's ego to have a young thing on his arm... smiles and hugs, when you have time, would you point me in the direction of the good guys????? hugs and well wishes to you |
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Susan Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104walking the surreal |
Bad boy fun is fun, but solidity wins out every day - must say, it's great when the combination is found - and it can be said the same for women - a good combination of the refined and the naughty makes the world go boom - It is the everyday joe that makes the world continue - hand in hand with jane - and I am happy to be a jane - a utility woman if one might say - with just a spark of mishief thrown in- Enjoyed this and all the thoughts behind it- SusanEvery action generates a force that returns to us in like kind . . . let us choose compassion and love [This message has been edited by Susan (01-08-2005 06:16 PM).] |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed  I hope you don't mind if I repeat what I replied the first time you posted this as it still applies "There’s no glamour in it, no wheeled tornado ripping down the blacktop, only the need to make it strong, a utility not an adventure, then use it like you planned and hold it together for as long as it takes." No glamour needed to make it good, and you are that, both as a man and a poet! |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Hi LeeJ.... I ain't lookin' at all! ...but I've observed a whole bunch, that being what I do best....and alas, it seems to hold true for the older ones too though much less so. ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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Beki Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569Newport Beach, CA, USA |
I like this very much,.....it i sgood to give ourselves a reality check once in awhile too. As for what women want, this is one woman who truly does prefer plain and simple..bad boys are great when you are young and for a good time, but for the long haul - no way! The ending of this poem is perfect! |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
I'm glad you posted this again. Bad boys are all great and fine, like a joy ride, a cheap thrill, until the thrill is gone. I suppose that is how one becomes jaded, and misunderstood. It's really too bad that the good guys/women will finish last more often than not, but at least they're intentions are good, and you can count on them when the going gets rough. Geez Ed, you make me want to get up on my soap box, with a bullhorn no less! Thank you for this shot from the hip, and for being the person you are. |
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Beki Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569Newport Beach, CA, USA |
your name is Ed...I don't think I knew that {{smile}} |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
RatL, (That is a good nickname for you because after reading your poetry, often one becomes rattled into reflection and ponderance...You've done it again my friend in this perceptive, excellent poem. Thanks. While I'm passing out notes of appreciation, thanks for the disclaimer on the Batting Practice poem. I left a note of appreciation there! your friend, misc |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Sturdy, strong and dependable that's what I need in a poem, so why do I always gets flights of fancy that fly as soon as their wings grow.  This is a well grounded, well rounded piece.Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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