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Open Poetry #11
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The Vase.....
| Open Poetry #11 |
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The Vase..... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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'Twas just a tiny antique shop like many of its class.. Some furniture, some trinkets, bits and shards of colored glass And I was just out for a stroll with nothing much to do So I stepped in to browse around for just a sec or two. A 1900 rocking chair was cute and caught my eye, An oriental rug that cost too much for me to buy Some ashtrays and some picture frames and nothing much at all... Until my eyes spied one large vase upon a pedestal. Its shape was quite spectacular - its lines were very sleek, Full-bodied and yet delicate and fragile, so to speak. Its bluish color mixed with white reminded me of sky And, I confess, it mesmerized me and I chose to buy. The clerk began to wrap it up when I screamed, "Wait! Get back!" For there, between the rim and handle, I could see a crack! Down farther, toward the bottom, I could see another there Another, then another...hairline cracks were everywhere. The clerk then smiled and bade me sit and offered me some tea Then, after having furnished same, he sat in front of me. There was a look of grace and kindness glowing on his face As he began recounting then the story of the vase. "When this vase was created, sir", the old man smiled at me "It was the greatest work of art the world did ever see. People came from everywhere to marvel at its worth And all agreed it was the greatest treasure on this earth. But it was badly treated in the way that it was used. It's beauty was degraded. It was damaged and abused. Its owner showed it no respect and fractured it and more Until it was a pile of rubble lying on the floor. You see that crack there on the side? It took two years to mend. The handle on the left side broke because it could not bend. It almost took a lifetime to repair the damaged parts Til now it's hard to see where damage ends and beauty starts. In some ways", he smiled out at me,"when I see it I find That it can be quite representative of all mankind. So many times we're broken down by things that Life demands And face abuse and criticism from another's hands. We may be forced to take a path we thought we'd never tread When stripped of love and decency, we self-destruct instead. Then we become a pile of rubble lying on the floor... Broken pieces of all that we had been....and nothing more. But those of us who care enough will get back up and then We'll do our best to put our broken pieces back again. It may take years - takes work and things don't always go as planned But it gets so much easier when someone lends a hand. The cracks will always be there...can't eliminate the past But, over time, our pride and honor will restore at last And though, unlike the vase, we may not have a pedestal, Our beauty will have been restored if we gave it our all." I smiled and bought that vase because the old man had been right For beauty that has been restored is such a wondrous sight. I have it in my study and I bring it out for show... When someone says, "It has a crack!"...I smile and say..."I know." |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
That...is probably the most treasured vase you shall ever have in your care...treat it well 'Deer...and it shall last for eternity... this was beautiful...she said...as a tear rolls down her cheek... Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
The cracks will always be there...can't eliminate the past But, over time, our pride and honor will restore at last And though, unlike the vase, we may not have a pedestal, Our beauty will have been restored if we gave it our all." I smiled and bought that vase because the old man had been right For beauty that has been restored is such a wondrous sight. I have it in my study and I bring it out for show... When someone says, "It has a crack!"...I smile and say..."I know." ================== you need to be on that pedestal as well ... and your wisdom is the poetic glue that mends the cracks ... and now I have a new treasure for my keeper chest ... this is a very special piece of work ... but then so is the poet who wrote it  love ya for this one... later-for this one ya get extra spammy kisses-gator me Some people find subtlety in strangers if you find anything~let me in Your eyes~you see everything my eyes~I see it all together now~and I know |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I know.... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"We may be forced to take a path we thought we'd never tread When stripped of love and decency, we self-destruct instead." "But those of us who care enough will get back up and then We'll do our best to put our broken pieces back again. It may take years - takes work and things don't always go as planned But it gets so much easier when someone lends a hand." From the first lines, I knew this was going to be a gem Michael ... what a beautiful story you've woven, with messages that reach through to the heart. We do all have these little cracks, and surely with help, we can mend over time. You, sweet poet have a marvelous mind ... such a wonderful tale Michael ... I adored this!!!  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ This is such a strong piece of writing. Yet, so delicate in it's intricate nature. What a unique piece of wisdom you've crafted. You sure do create some keepers ! ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Deer...you are a treausure and this story of the vase touches the antique in me in a way I'm sure you understand...thank you for just being so you...hugs! |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
i could feel the colour rising up my cheeks as i read and this stunning gem yet again reminds me of how lucky i am to be here.... wow... |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
Sometimes the cracks are just the lessons learned to make us better people today. This is a very beautiful read and made me see myself in this vase with it's many cracks. Much love to you from me Love I leave with you my friend whether it be in your life or of yet the essense of your dreams. http://path2riches.com |
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Butterflies_dont_cry Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733Michigan |
'Deer* This reminds me of the poem I wrote called Crystal Vase....or Crystal Heart...the title escapes me but what would a heart or a vase be without a chip or a crach to show it's beauty and the lessons we've learned along the way....your poetry shines in this piece 'Deer...tonight dear poet you spoke to MY heart~ |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
well, someobdy once told me they were looking for a "little piece without the crack" or was that " a little Peace without the crack"... lol... or was that me?.. whatever... it was what it was and it was some semblance of poetry in or out of a cracked vase... or was that a "vahhse"... lol.... either way, this poem is priceless, michael...you certainly can create a narrative voice in the form of ballad... but.... i'm sure you've heard that before..*g.. i guess so!!! senor balladeer! *wink* __________________________ one day, there will be floral arrangements comfortably residing in nothing watered down, despite the cracks, and yes, there will be peace amid the garden blooming __________________ whoops, got a little poetic ... oh well... sometimes people are like poetry but as for me, i'm not all i crack myself up to be... hehe < !signature-->- all you can ever really ask out of life is a sincere apology and some decent poetry - [This message has been edited by doreen peri (edited 12-10-2000).] |
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Cperazzi Junior Member
since 1999-12-13
Posts 34Texas |
I always go first to what you write and this was one of your best. You have quite a gift. Cindi |
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Lady Lightning Member
since 2000-12-04
Posts 422Kentucky |
BEAUTIFUL... ~LL~ The way to love anything is to realize it might be lost. author unknown |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
There is so much to this piece, so much to appreciate, as someone who loves flowers I know I read it through more than once and at first imagined the vase filled with beautiful, fresh spring flowers and then I realized that the beauty of the vase was more than enough, for every crack allows the vase to be stronger and maybe more beautiful? There is more beauty in strength and I know I'm rambling in this reply, but I just thought this is such a lovely, meaningful poem, it's a story of endurance and makes one see the beauty in the vase as well as the one who holds onto it. "Always be a first rate version of your self instead of a second rate version of someone else." Marilyn Monroe |
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Craig Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 444 |
You kept me wondering which way you’d go with this, must be a sign of your poetic adeptness (either that or my stupidity, both are valid statements). Thanks for the chance to read and, for a change, reply Craig Yes, I admit your general rule. That every poet is a fool: But I myself may serve to show it. That every fool is not a poet. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
sunshine...so true. Beauty and love never die.. thank you Jnaet Marie...you are a treasure! There should be quite a few of those spammy kisses stored up. Elizabeth....that says it all..thank you Kit...thank you, dear poet. YOU have no cracks...you're as smooth as glass Marge...speaking of keepers.. Martie...yes, I do. Thank you, dear friend kaile...thank you VERY much...and WE are lucky you're here. Startime...many of us can see ourselves there. We all crack up at times butterflies...there is not a more beautiful thing I could speak to. Thank you, pretty lady. Doreen..you are EVERYTHING you're cracked up to be! cindi..what a wonderful thing to say! I thank you very much LL....thank you, Lady Rose...you can be a rambling rose any time you like..your words are very true and I thank you for them Craig...nice to know I'm not going to pot! Thanks for coming by.. FLORIDA: Home of electile dysfunction! |
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mutington Member
since 2000-11-29
Posts 132New Jersey, USA |
A wonderful story-poem...so beautiful in its simplicity...!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ mutington/joyce "I can live by myself, but not within myself." |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Just so you know 'deer... this part: But those of us who care enough will get back up and then We'll do our best to put our broken pieces back again. It may take years - takes work and things don't always go as planned But it gets so much easier when someone lends a hand is highly highly appropriate to a poem I have just written and am going to post... it has moved me so much - this whole poem in fact..that I simply must use it as an epigraph...please say you don't mind! I love it... hugs and thanks in advance lol K |
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emily Member
since 2000-10-03
Posts 142USA |
This moved me, it's almost as if you were writing about someone I love very much, of everything I have read here recently, it just hit me. Thank you for posting this. Emily |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Big contented sigh here. The poetic equivilant of a gourmet meal. This is why 'you da man'... |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Balladeer....this piece brought a tear to my eye for some strange reason this morning. I can relate to that vase and the cracks it's endured from rough handling. You, the master story teller, have weaved this web of words most eloquently dear sir |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
Bal~ i almost missed this one. i am so glad that i did not. i have no words really to convey what i want to say right now. but this poem and "story" really touched my heart. as a few tears roll down my cheek all i can say is you my friend have the gift of poetry and it shines so brilliantly in both your pen and heart! awesome write, def going into my library! take care. ~amy~ |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Mike - You have a terrific gift for metaphor, and for writing in a way that makes the story come alive. This is a fine poem with a true piece of wisdom, written in the classic Balladeer style. I enjoyed it very much. |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Just from reading the title, I knew this one was a grabber......it did, I love it....... 'We may be forced to take a path we thought we'd never tread When stripped of love and decency, we self-destruct instead. Then we become a pile of rubble lying on the floor.... Broken pieces of all that we had been....and nothing more.' Perfectly done -SEA |
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warmhrt Senior Member
since 1999-12-18
Posts 1563 |
Nice piece, Balladeer. Enjoyed the tale...no cracks there (and no pun intended, either). Kris All good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings...~William Wordsworth |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
This is a powerful piece of writing with a beautiful universal moral for all. I truly loved this poem and am printing out a copy for myself to remind me of your truth. I've probably said it many times before, but, I really do admire and respect your talent. You are the master of conveying truths to us and you do it with such a compassion and uniqueness, it inspires me. After I read this poem, I had to take a deep breath, your message is so true and yet for many years I have just ignored such a truth. "Cracks and scars" make us who we are. You're a very intelligent poet and you should be very proud of this piece. I've decided this is my favourite of yours. Please enter this poem for the next netpoets book! Take care, Melissa The beauty of poetry gives my soul wings to fly free within dreams |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Somehow, on a re-read...this could easily become a Christmas classic....I see even LJA is a little misty eyed... so excuse me, but I am sure not everyone has had a chance to open up this treasure.... Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
You have learned well, my deer. corinne |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This is a perfect example of why I can never miss one of your poems... it's a treasure. |
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