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Open Poetry #37
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Willy (for Karenity)
| Open Poetry #37 |
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Willy (for Karenity) |
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wranx Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689Moved from a shack to a barn 
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Willy walked the river road Would have walked a path six foot deep If the county hadn’t paved it He walked the river road On his daily commute to “not a whole lot” An ancient black scarecrow In knit cap and greatcoat Tatters with holes and straw from his bedding I was still pink when we first met And he had recently graduated to “Negro” Having already lived through being “nigger” And slave Even then, I knew Willy was older than old “Well over a hundred”, they said “His baby sister died a ways back” “Those who remember say she was ninety” Willy walked the river road Between Swains lock and Pennyfield And when he wasn’t He did chores for change at the General Store Sweeping the back and arranging Pop bottles For something to do, lunch and a Yoo Hoo He would accept only coins, saying the paper Would only get “stole by dem mean boys dowen dair” Willy walked the river road A hobo who only traveled three locks distance His last name and lineage, lost, alike So he marked the back porches Of those singular years that treated him kindly Yes, Willy walked the river road But he rode the rails of time ***Willy was the oldest person I ever met. It was supposed he was 110 in 1956. Being only 6 myself, the immensity of his lifetime (both in duration and history) was lost on me until he was long dead. I'm pleased to say he has finally graduated to African-American |
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| © Copyright 2006 E.F.Rose - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
If you weren't a guy...I'd kiss ya...  You rock bud! Absolutely, absolutely. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed...A very touching portrait.  |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank God you are a guy! That was just heartwarming Yeti.  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I am going to whisper a thank you tonight, and give you a kiss. I feel like I was just tucked in and hugged. I'll be back in the morning Uncle Yeti. I love you much my brother.  Your voice is very soothing, and guess what? My head does not hurt right now. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Wranx, I so enjoy your chronicles! Good ole Willy, I could just see him. ...jo |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
here he is . . . I was waiting for this story, Eddie. And I will sit by your feet anytime to listen, as I am now, you know? It's a lovely story. This is whose voice - if he were to speak, is in my write. I thank you for that. Always an inspiration to me. I could listen to you for hours. (UM . . . when my mouth is not jabbering) and I will kiss you Its a most beautiful story of a long-forgotten time, and told by you - actually makes him timeless. *smile* |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
damn that was good. I love when that happens. "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
For a moment, you put life back in old Willy. It is as if he were walking down the road right in front of the reader. This is a moving and highly charming piece of writing. Like Karen wrote in her reply, "Your voice is soothing." ~ and I join those who want to give you a Linda [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (01-11-2006 10:32 AM).] |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
I betcha Willy smiled the biggest smile while reading this... touched the heart and mind...thank you for this... |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
wranx A pat on the back for this my friend. |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Wonderful Ed. Thankyou for this. Chris  Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
You have me a bit obsessed now. I just know I have Boxcar Willy's greatest hits on vinyl somewhere. On vinyl. Heh. Sheesh.  |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
This is beautiful, wranx. When you eventually meet up with him on the other side of the pearly gates, please tell him how much we all enjoyed his story, and especially the restoration of his dignity - which I am sure he never lost, except in the eyes of the blind. - Owl |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Wranx, I must put this one on a pedestal. Cause it deserves to be at the top of a crystal heap. Superb, enjoyed every word of it.... And I am glad he got the chance to graduate. |
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia |
Ok ! This is the 4th of yours I have read. I have settled down a bit, but am still impressed. Amazingly so ! Yes ! I have known several like Willy. You have immortalized them all wonderfully ! My list of favorite poets is long. Near the top of that list is Robert Service. Not saying that he was the greatest poet...but, he is one that I identify with the most, as far as subject matter and a great deal of the life I have lived in the past. His position on my list is shifting. He stands in threat of you taking his place. Please excuse my long winded responses, but I am in awe. ::bows:: |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I can't believe I never saw this one before...musta been asleep that day. Ah, Willy...if only you knew what the wrankster just wrote for you. I'd like to think he knows, but... well, that's another issue. love you, for this write alone makes you a master |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
"Yes, Willy walked the river road But he rode the rails of time' Oh what a beautiful story wranx. I enjoyed it immensely... several times. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Wranx, I'm sorry I missed this when you were first in compose... but I'm glad it was lifted up... for them that lived long... and well. ...and thank you. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Ed, I have sorely missed your words here and this is the perfect example of why that is so true. You tell a story like few others can, and this Yeti, is classic Wranx... To Willy...*cheers* *clink* |
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Edward Grim Senior Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 1154Greenville, South Carolina |
This is wonderful. I really like your style. Well done. Cheers - Ed "Give me a museum, and I'll fill it." |
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babygirlwlove Senior Member
since 2004-10-10
Posts 1180New York City |
Wranxie~ this is an awesome tribute...your words, ever a delight to find~ ~babygirL **Intoxicant to the SouL** |
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MGROVES
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802california |
once knew of a man just like that he walked every day from one end of town to another. always a smile on his face. never out of breath. dont know his age. they said he was old. but i was just a teen. his walk was like a dance. full of soul. and no one noticed his dark skin back in 60's. at least ones i knew didnt. his smile radiated light. he never missed a day. thanks for remembering and giving notice to gods gifts. My spirit will rise |
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PouringJewels Member
since 2003-09-18
Posts 158Maryland |
I remember Willy, my brother Ed. I was five years younger than you but had forgotten about old colored Willy. He wore two coats three socks four shirts because he was afraid they would get stolen in Tobytown. Thank you for the memory. I remember mom saying he was 111 years old when I was 4. By the way, I, your little sister turned...Whats age have to do with it? |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Sometimes irony, like the little irony that we share the same name (and even the same initials), is the purest form of expression. We're so different at the surface and yet so very alike in the interior ways that count most. I've never known anyone who, like me, had known someone who'd been a slave here, in this country...though naturally there would be more, if I had a way to know. When I finally learned of one, of course it would be you! Your Willy brings me so much to Inkydot, the man I knew as a child /main/forumdisplay.cgi?action=displayarchive&number=79&topic=000028 , and you write him in such an excellent way...you honor the memory of all. Beautiful work, ER! --ER ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> ______________Ratleader______________ |
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terasinas Member
since 2006-03-24
Posts 91Michigan ... The Great Lakes |
Wranx ... you have a new fan, lol ... I love this write .. well done .. can't wait to read more tera |
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Kristabell Senior Member
since 2003-11-29
Posts 678Portland, OR |
This is great! I am glad to hear it! Nice dedication. |
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