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Poetic Challenge using Frost's "The Road Not Taken", Join in! |
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Jan 12 10, 18:27
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Mosaic Master
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Real Name: Lori Kanter
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Hi all, Based on the Robert Frost "Stopping By Woods..." thread, I'm inspired to throw out a second challenge. Taking Frost's The Road Not Taken poem below, create your own using the same end words. The words are: wood, both, stood, could, undergrowth / fair, claim, wear, there, same / lay, black, day, way, back / sigh, hence, I, by, difference. Good luck! ~Cleo QUOTE The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost, 1920
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 14 10, 09:01
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Group: Platinum Member
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Real Name: Leonora Wyatt
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Totems
Two gaudy effigies, carved in wood stand in forested clearings; both potent totems; understood to rule the tribe, as no man could. They tower above the undergrowth.
Whilst at the bases, maidens fair, do offer tribute; and they claim the pretty amulets they wear, and tattoos scattered here and there, prevent them looking all the same.
Explorers died here; where they lay, with tortured bodies turning black. They surely came to rue the day they ventured the less travelled way, and stayed - because there's no way back.
Those totems force my deepest sigh. My God! Why did I venture hence? A futile, foolish traveller, I chose that detour, tempted by my untamed lust for difference.
All line should end with the given words - in the given order and form. wood, both, stood, could, undergrowth / fair, claim, wear, there, same / lay, black, day, way, back / sigh, hence, I, by, difference.
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Jan 14 10, 17:37
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Time, Immoral
Member No.: 66
Writer of: Poetry
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I'm gonna post in here to keep to one thread. Hope das okay.
My offering is a rhymed unmetered piece. I'm not sure I've heard of such, but there tis. I'm also out of black ink in my printer, so posting this in color.
Scarlet Lipstick
I remember you last autumn, in the wood, scarlet beret, scarlet lipstick, both caught my attention and my soul stood like a Bantu hunter. I wondered a time if it could find its way out of that tangled undergrowth.
Lazy clouds overhead floated fair through their blue September claim, casting worry aside as if it were a thing to wear, then cruised nonchalantly to the same, to the same, west, east, here, there.
Clouds – I roved with them often from where I lay on the haystack. They transformed to castles – black and Chartreuse-green, then tangerine late in the day. At the drawbridge, roses lined the way and horses grazed, two chargers and a swayback.
On this quiet harvest wind there rides a sigh, making me wonder if your scarlet lipstick sent it hence. Its music notes enrapture me and say, “Tis I, tis I.” Your image in the clouds meanders by and like a Monarch butterfly, proclaims a difference.
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Jan 15 10, 17:01
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Time, Immoral
Member No.: 66
Writer of: Poetry
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Reconsidering and finding that I am actually well aware of rhyme & unmetered verse, I've decided to amend things and post another. I'm still out of black ink, however.
Hold on There, RF!
If I think of the forest as merely wood and the ocean as only water, both will be sold short, for they have stood the test of wind and waves. Could a fish live in a raveled undergrowth?
Would a sparrow, jay or robin think it fair living on a stretched-out ocean, staking claim on smelt or herring? Donning rubber outerwear? Of a sudden they would see that life over there compared to the woodland is not the same.
A nest must be dry so a bird can lay; an octopus hideaway ought to be black; a condor and albatross spend hours a day on thermals they find on a lofty highway and cruise with the wind at their back.
So creatures all, no need to sigh as nothing will change from whence to hence and tinkering Toms or fools as I will fiddle with other things by and by but not make a lot of difference.
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Jan 17 10, 13:32
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From: Abingdon, Oxfordshire,UK
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Real Name: Leonora Wyatt
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Hey Merlin - I think I prefer the second one - but have to hold back when I see unmetered rhyming verse - Have a heart mate! I've only just come to terms with the 39.8 inches stuff. Although, logically, I suppose there must be some unmetered rhyming verse somewhere, but I can't think of any. I love the idea of those cute little robins having a secret hankering for rubber outerwear. Great fun to read! - Leo
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Jan 18 10, 13:19
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Springfield, Louisiana
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Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
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Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Hi All,
Thought I might chime in with my meager offering. It's not nearly as good as Merlin's last one; I really enjoyed that... metered or unmetered. I still find Frost's version a bit bumpy with his 4 1/2 foot lines and constant switching from iambic to anapestic but he's famous and I'm not so I guess it's okay to write in that manner. Anyway, here's mine: (I went ahead and used both first and last words of each line.)
The Skins Not Taken
Two Gators lived in a piney wood and cypress swamp. Loved sun and sand both and raised all their children where stumps stood and chased predators off when they could; to where they escaped in undergrowth.
Then went to check the young which were fair, and very beautiful; so they claim. Because men thought so and made footwear. Though the gator family there Had rather kept skins just the same.
And then, one morning, all of them lay In moss and mud; dark green and black. Oh, you could barely see them in the day. Yet, they could see you and get away, I could just make out the male’s ridged back.
I will remember that day and sigh Somewhere; because I ventured hence: Two gators survived with young, and I--- I scared them when hunters came by, And they still live. That’s the difference!
They scared me more than I scared them.
Larry
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Jan 18 10, 14:16
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Mosaic Master
Group: Administrator
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Joined: 1-August 03
From: Massachusetts
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Real Name: Lori Kanter
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Referred By:Imhotep
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 19 10, 09:25
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Springfield, Louisiana
Member No.: 446
Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Hi All,
Here is a true story. Really!
A Difference
Behind my house stand groves of Oak wood and long-leaf Pine. If I cut them both, I could build a home where they once stood but I would not do that if I could; leaving nothing but the undergrowth.
The back yard would never be as fair and besides, I’d never want to claim responsibility, or to wear that cloak of guilt. Without the trees there, Nature’s beauty would not be the same.
Without my trees, the birds could not lay their eggs in nests built of small twigs, black and brown; lined with leaves found by day. I told myself, there must be a way to keep their morning songs coming back.
Now, in their shade, I listen and sigh in delight. With other wood, from hence, my home rests where briars once grew. I have my trees and songbirds nearby, surrounded by Nature’s difference.
Were I to have cut them down to build my home, I would have been no better than the hurricanes which indifferently destroy centuries old Oaks and sweet smelling Pine groves. My part of this world would have been a sadder place.
Larry
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Jan 19 10, 09:43
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Mosaic Master
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From: Massachusetts
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Real Name: Lori Kanter
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Referred By:Imhotep
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Glad that wasn't the case, Larry! A lovely response (#2). Well done - I enjoyed the imagery and story within! ~Cleo
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 19 10, 14:57
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Time, Immoral
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Good on ya for that sentiment, Larry. I'm fortunate, we have lovely trees in our city and they try to keep them when development happens.
Great additions to this undertaking. You've motivated me to do another, it's fresh off the Chopin block, so I may need to come back for some tweaking. Here goes>>
Aye, Aye, Aye, for the Birds
I have been one acquainted with the wood, I’ve chopped and sawed my goodly share, yes both! I’ve gone among white birches where I stood in awesome wonder, wishing that I could be like a marmot in thick undergrowth.
I’ve seen the weather change from foul to fair; I’ve panned for gold and even staked a claim. I’ve been so poor I had no shoes to wear but still I rambled over here and there and through it all, life carried on the same.
I often found a strawstack where I’d lay my carcass down, on starry nights or black, then when the dawning brought another day, I’d venture on to nowhere, down the way or turn around and venture nowhere back.
I always whistled – rarely did I sigh, no use was there for whence or thence or hence. My home-folk stayed on birthright land, but I… I watched the ocean bid the sun good-by. I watched the birds. The birds know there’s a difference.
Still outa black ink, btw.
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Jan 20 10, 06:38
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Mosaic Master
Group: Administrator
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From: Massachusetts
Member No.: 2
Real Name: Lori Kanter
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Referred By:Imhotep
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Well done Merlin! You all make this look EASY! Enjoyed, ~Cleo
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 22 10, 18:03
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Group: Gold Member
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Joined: 15-June 07
From: Springfield, Louisiana
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Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
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Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Hi Lori,
Once more into the fray with Frost's words and a more sober usage thereof.
Disaster’s Triage
Tin shacks and cardboard huts propped up with wood are gone. Uncaring Earth erased them. Both entombed in brick and stucco that once stood beside them. Raining down on those who could not find safety in hillside undergrowth.
No judge to rule on what was right or fair, to hear the anguished pleas of those who claim they had no food; or clothing they could wear. That was interred with friends and neighbors there among the piles of rubble, and the same
could be said of their families which lay beneath the shattered buildings. All was black and dusty clouds blocked out the light of day. Some few, exhumed by those who found a way to rescue broken bodies, bring them back;
are granted respite from that final sigh. Not so for many others taken hence to lie in rest with strangers. Would that I were able to assist and help them by grief’s river flowing through indifference.
God help them all.
Larry
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Jan 22 10, 20:45
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Mosaic Master
Group: Administrator
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From: Massachusetts
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Real Name: Lori Kanter
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Gosh Larry - you've really sparked an emotional response in me! I'm sitting here crying now. This is a really sobering poem - that stands on its own without knowing its a challenge response. A beautiful poem - very poignant!! Hard to believe all that's happening and a second quake too the other day. I've heard now it's even more chaotic with the rescue workers trying to do what they can. Big hugs to all. -Lori
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 23 10, 01:07
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 11,505
Joined: 15-June 07
From: Springfield, Louisiana
Member No.: 446
Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Hi Lori,
Thank you for your kind words. I apologize for your reaction but I get a similar feeling and one of hopelessness when seeing all the despair and suffering and knowing there is little I can do to alliviate any of it. What bugs me the most is that I have around 40 years of experience in inventory control, logistics, distribution and supply and have to watch the inept efforts of supposedly qualified people screw up what little help is trickling out to the people in need. I wrote this after watching a report on supply chain and distribution break down and the abysmal excuses spouted by those who were supposed to be handling that problem. That's why my last line was, "God help them all".
Larry
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Jan 23 10, 07:57
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Mosaic Master
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From: Massachusetts
Member No.: 2
Real Name: Lori Kanter
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Imhotep
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I believe it, Larry and am feeling the same sense of inadequacy. These horrific events always break me. There have been far too many - but I just heard on the Today show earlier this morning of one positive. There was an orphanage outside of the quake zone that had displaced I think it was about 65 children (but I can't confirm the number on their website at present)). Anyway, the bottom line there is that these kids were waiting to be adopted, and because of the disaster, the normal 2+ year wait for all the red tape has been lifted and the children began arriving yesterday into the waiting arms of their "new" parents. A sign of hope!!!!! Everyone needs hope... You shuld place this poem for crits, Larry.
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"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsCollaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. KanterNominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here! "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner
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Jan 23 10, 10:20
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 11,505
Joined: 15-June 07
From: Springfield, Louisiana
Member No.: 446
Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Hello Again Lori,
Perhaps the 1/2 Billion raised by caring people in the US, will help these poverty stricken people; if most of it gets to them and isn't siphoned off by "Charity's Big Wigs" to line their already over-stuffed pockets. Damn, I'm becoming too cynical in my old age.
I posted this in Hermes for crits and/or just to be able to vent to other readers on MM my frustration about this situation.
Larry
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Jan 23 10, 12:38
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Time, Immoral
Member No.: 66
Writer of: Poetry
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We just keep going and going.... Good on ya, Larry.
On the RF Rode Again
Mosaic silence hides within the wood at Herman’s and at Karot’s Crossing, both. Could be that poets are not understood or seem perplexing, yes it really could, but readers, please, look in the undergrowth.
It’s where you’ll find the middling and the fair; it’s where you’ll see some seek a fame to claim; it’s where you’ll see them in their glory-wear; it’s where you’ll find them writing verse, right there, but have no doubt, no two will be the same.
It’s there you’ll find a sonnet, ode or lay, an elegy perhaps, laid out in black, and if you stay a while, say half a day, you’ll get the royal tour right down the way but do not fear, someone will take you back.
Relief? Despair? What was that somber sigh? It couldn’t be a dread to travel hence and see the poet’s world – fools such as I who offer little gems to scuffle by? Dive right on in – you’ll find a world of difference.
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Feb 2 10, 01:07
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 11,505
Joined: 15-June 07
From: Springfield, Louisiana
Member No.: 446
Real Name: Larry D. Jennings
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Just wondered in.
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Bob Rime’s Rhyme
Although this site would make a difference, if we had full participation by each member. There is nothing you or I can do to force compliance. Send them whence they came? You breathe exasperated sigh
then ask them to desist and not come back unless they wish to share their views the way that others do. Perhaps there’ll come a day when rules aren’t cut so white and black. For those that wish to grow, critique and lay
bare minds and souls expect the same from others. Post each new creation there within our forums. Then we ask you wear a teacher or a critics hat. Don’t claim you know not how to help. That isn’t fair!
You’re here to learn, prune all the undergrowth from new word gardens. Then I know we could improve each verse. Stand tall, say you withstood temptation to abstain. Give and take, both are needed when you build; not rotten wood.
I don't know if pleas or threats of dismissal will work to entice others to join in our little private party of accepting challenges and giving as much assistance as we know how to give in helping others and ourselves to improve the written word here at MM. One can only hope!
Larry
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Feb 2 10, 02:44
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Group: Platinum Member
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From: Abingdon, Oxfordshire,UK
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Real Name: Leonora Wyatt
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Merlin! OK! I give in! I'll be the one to fall in and ask the obvious question - I can't stand the suspense! You have told us, again, (in black ink) that you are out of black ink. Why would your printer being out of black ink make any difference to the colour you use to post your delightful contributions? I know that I am going to kick myself for asking, but you dangle the information like a maggot - waiting for a fish to bite. I'll regret it - I know I will ..... Leo
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Feb 2 10, 16:42
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Group: Gold Member
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From: Time, Immoral
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That was Larry up above, Leo, but we acknowledge your current bout with eyesight. No problem, and I'm sure Larry will accept the compliment to his posting.
Black ink - I've finally broken down and bought some. Now my printer smears; reckon it didn't like to be left high and dry. I used up the color cartouche, which would otherwise have been garbage (recycled at the local office supply store).
Reason - I was being a yokel as always, and using color was because somebody remarked on its use. Go figger.
I don't want to smudge future postings, so might just revert to using color again.
Larry, nice to see you using Trebor Tsorf as a template!
Merlin
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