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Open Poetry #36
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The Raven
| Open Poetry #36 |
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The Raven |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands 
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Going through my USA photographs, I stumbled upon The Raven, the pet bird of Charles Dickenson. It's been three years now that Denise (who works at the Philadelphia City Library) got special permission to show us (Nan, Liz and me) this stuffed bird, that's kept behind closed doors, not open for public. I'm still grateful for this wonderful gift. That inspired me to write my story in the form (more or less) as the original 'The Raven' was written by Edgar Allen Poe  Once upon the month September, it was warm as I remember I was travelling through the country which I hadn't done before I was looking out the window of a train I had been in though And was listening to some music, with my bags stacked on the floor All the passengers were sleeping, snoring sounds were heard galore Only this, and nothing more On my way to the big city, Philadelphia, very pretty I remember from the old times, that I had been there before I was meeting some dear poet, big surprise, she had to show it In the area, closed to public, we went up to the fifth floor In the library of this city, she just opened one big door Only that, and nothing more Silence reigned in this here study, all cleaned up, not even muddy And the walls, they were all covered, from the ceiling to the floor With the books of famous writer, Dickinson could not be brighter Desk and chair, his pen and ink pot, there was so much to explore That alone was overwhelming, but she went through one more door Going through, and nothing more In the hallway on a table, all stuffed up and with a label Which was telling that this black bird, had been owned by Charles before He was standing there quite proudly, though he once murmured not loudly After gently rapping, tapping, softly on Poe's chamber door, As an echo on Poe's whispered, only spoken word 'Lenore' Merely this, and nothing more It was special and impressive, even quite a bit excessive That I had the chance to glance, at this pet which I adore It is kept in good condition, it's a raven with a mission From a time that life was diff'rent, which will not return, no more I can tell you that my jaw, almost lowered to the floor Only that, and nothing more Like scattered leaves...my words will flow [This message has been edited by Titia Geertman (10-09-2005 05:34 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2005 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved | |||
Nightshade 
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
This is an entertaining and interesting write Titia. Much enjoyed. hugs, Chris Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Oh, Titia, This is wonderful! I will always remember that day! I know the poetess you speak of. Her name is Denise, but I wou't reveal who it is, I promise. Your poem is perfect Poe-etry in rhyme snd meter! Good work Liz |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Excellent writing here Titia! Love the photo as well. Very much enjoyed. Hugs~Nancy ~Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.~ |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
We DID have fun, didn't we? I was blessed to have shared that train ride with you... and as I recall, you were gathering up some fishing partners, weren't you? Since we didn't let you fish much on Cape Cod...   The Raven was a WONDROUS surprise from Denise - She was the hostess with the mostest that day...  Thanks for the great poem - and the great time... |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Titia~ Not only is the photo a great share .... your Poe-like penning is a poetic delight~ I can well imagine that our Denise will think so too~ You rock girlie~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Titia, you always bring a smile to my face! Your posts are always so varied and entertaining! Your Poe-tic poem was a treat to read ~ and the photo of Poe's raven a treat to behold! Sounds like a wonderful time had been had by all! ~ and "Thank you for sharing!"  Sending you a big, warm hug! Linda |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Chris - thanks Liz - I often think back at the time we spend and looking at the photos I realize what a lucky lady I've been to've met you. Nancy - thanks Nan - I'll never forget the time spend with you and guess what: your car still haunts me in my dreams sometimes  Marge - sweet grandma poetess, the memory of you will never fade. Linda - thanks for the compliment and yes, we had a wonderful time, can't believe it's been three years already. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
I'm taking the liberty of a  Cause this simply needs MORE reads~ I'm spellbound by you dearest Titia~ LOVE YOU~ Foreverly and everly~  *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I loved it...picture and poem Titia... I was born in Baltimore( the football team is called The Ravens) and went to a wedding reception years ago in the catacombs where Edgar A. Poe is buried. one of my first learned poems was his... thank you for the memories... hugs M |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Titia...Love the poem and the photo....I'm sure you had a great time!! Wish I had been there with you. |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is wonderful, Titia. Thank you for sharing it. Wish I could have gone to the poets meet and met all of you. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Great job, Titia! You captured that day perfectly! I can't believe it's been three years already. It really seems like yesterday, doesn't it? A lot has happened since then, though. I got a promotion and I'm now at the Fire Department. But if you come back to visit Philadelphia, I can still get you in to see the Raven again! |
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yv Senior Member
since 2003-05-30
Posts 574 |
What a lovely play on Poe's classic. What an enchanting way to allow the reader to revisit this classic...and it's own sense...encapsulate a classicness all it's own! Lovely write! Yv~Seeing eternal Sunshine |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Hello Titia ... I can't believe 3 years have passed since we rode around Falmouth in Nan's car. We stopped in a bar for a drink and then walked along the beach!! I miss you and think often of that wonderful day. If you visit the US again, I would love to have you come to New Hampshire and see my mountains. Love to you and Muys ... Marti Living simply and calmly in the mountains! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Dear Titia: This is marvelous! You are so talented. I loved reading this. Love Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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Betty Senior Member
since 2002-08-13
Posts 1159Virginia |
This was great reading. I like the way you did it & the picture is wonderful Betty |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Titia, This is wonderful...You're so cute!!! It sounds like you ladies had a wonderful time!!!! Take Care!!! HUGS, Bridgette  "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." A. Brink |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I wish I'd been there... but through your talent... I am. *S* Great pic and poem!! |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
This is wonderful, Titia! Thanks for sharing. ....jo |
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Isobel Senior Member
since 2004-01-17
Posts 529Qld, Australia |
Dear Titia I absolutely enjoyed your verse! You have a wonderful poetic talent! Isobel |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Sitting here within my boredom, I glanced through the Passion forums Looking for a piece of poetry I could adore. As I went through several pages, reading PIPTalk's favorite sages Poems of how sweet passion rages Burning lovers to the core I discovered Titia's newest poem and nothing more. So at once I started reading, hoping for what I'd been needing Something that would lift my spirits up from off the floor. As I read each clever word about a stuffed and long-dead bird I thought the whole thing was absurd A dead bird poem would be a bore Just a bore and nothing more. As I read, though, I could feel her sincerity was real And her words came to me like a wave comes to the shore. The raven's world became my own to fight what I could not condone No longer was I all alone The raven, stately bird of yore, Would be my friend forevermore. Thank you, Dutchie, for your gift which gave my life a needed lift And showed me there is beauty in whatever we look for. Beauty never has an end and, thanks to you, my special friend, Your written words will always send Pure pleasure I will not ignore And we'll be friends - forevermore. |
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Angelheart Senior Member
since 2005-09-08
Posts 754Jacksonville,FL USA |
this was a delight to read, and this is a good picture of the bird in the picture, Full of emotion, and you got right at the point very well. thanks for sharing.  Keep up the good poetry. Poetry can get you very far |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Great job of this Titia, and a wonderful reminder of the wonderful friendships made and held close to heart here. Take care of you and yours. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Maureen, thank you my friend, it was such a pleasure to've met you. Martie, we did have a great time and I've made friends for life. Sue, wished I could've met you too dear friend. Denise, you don't know how much pleasure you gave us that day with your beautiful gift and be sure that if ever I would come back to the States, I'll come visit you again. yv, thanks Marti, I'll never forget our laughs at that bar, when we waited for Nan and our little stroll on the Falmouth beach in incoming mist wich made us all wet. We shared beautiful moments. Trillium, thanks for your lovely words. Betty, thanks Justbleu, thanks and yes it was very special to meet so many dear poets. Suthern, I know you were with us in spirit. Iliana, thanks Isobel, thanks for the compliment Balladeer, my dear friend, it was such a pleasure to read your reply and I'm glad I wiped boredom of your mind. Great verse you wrote and yes, you will remain my special friend forevermore. Angelheart, thanks for your kind words. Sharon, thanks dear friend, the friendships made are truly very special and kept close to heart. You're a wonderful lady. Dear friends, the pleasure was all mine. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Muys Member
since 2002-04-06
Posts 389The Netherlands |
Magnificent Titia I am so proud of you and I Love you  Your Mom |
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