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> Miss Angie Poe, People I know - True stories
merle
post Jun 21 09, 03:07
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Many years ago, twenty in fact if you really must know, I became involved (obsessed) with animal rescue. It certainly wasn’t my intent to end up with ten dogs and two cats but neither was it in my dream scheme to still be living in a sixteen unit apartment in the ghetto. Someone once told me we are all exactly where we are supposed to be in life but yesterday I would have preferred to be somewhere, anywhere, else.

My husband, Tony, and I have harmonized our dog walking schedule better than any Mozart symphony. He takes the larger dogs on a roundabout through the neighborhood since he is less likely to be mugged or shot. I take the smaller dogs out back where there is less probability of being mugged, although I have been known to become intimate with the sidewalk when the weather calls for bullets.

Yesterday, while taking Pedro, a miniature pinscher, Sugar, a monkey terrier, and Kelly, a mutt if ever there was one, out to the back yard, we had an unfortunate encounter with Miss Angie Poe. Angie has lived here most her life and I’ve only known her by the occasional head nod given when coming upon someone walking down the same street and realizing there’s no other way around them. However, I do know of her. I know she prefers to be well marinated by noon and prefers beer over wine. I know she has been pregnant every summer for the last ten years but has never been a mother because Social Services has taken away every child. I have often felt sympathy for Miss Poe although I must admit it is mixed in with a great urge to slap her. Not that slapping would help her but it might make me feel a whole lot better.

Angie, already feeling the effects of the six-pack she had for dinner, was saying her reluctant goodbyes to my neighbor, Ugly Fred, her uncle, as he escorted (pushed) her out his backdoor. (After all, the visit is well and truly over with once the alcohol and money for alcohol are gone.) Angie stumbled off the porch and down the steps missing the last which produced some very creative use of the English language. The dogs, being dogs, were whipped into a frenzy, possibly by the vibe she was giving off or the fact she was close to me and they felt I was in danger and they tried to attack. I immediately calmed them and thought the incident over but didn’t plan on Angie being a little frenzied herself.

I wasn’t sure which surprised me most, the fact that she tried to kick Pedro, or how she was able to maintain her balance while being in such a state of intoxication.( I have a brand new appreciation for the term functioning alcoholic). Luckily, the kick didn’t make contact but Pedro must have felt the wind from her shoe brush up against his ear and he made an about turn and charged. Angie was about to try her fancy footwork again when I stepped in between her and Pedro. With my hands full, two leashes, I reeled in Pedro and Sugar as close to the front of my body while backing Angie up against the second story step post. There we stayed, Angie pinned like a bug, yelling in my ear, and her arms cart wheeling in an attempt to strike a dog, any old dog would do. Meanwhile, Pedro’s rally cries (non-stop, makes you want to snip their vocal chords, barking) invited not only Kelly and Sugar into the fray but two orphaned dogs I have decided to foster. I couldn’t control them as pack mentality had taken over. I pretty much figured I’d be standing there for the rest of my days, fending off dogs, and earless to boot if Angie didn’t stop swinging her arms. On the upside, being deaf meant I wouldn’t have to wear Pedro’s barking up and down my spine.

Finally, Tony came out and immediately brought the dogs under control. Once the dogs were settled, I backed away from Angie. I could tell she wanted to pursue the matter but she thought better of it when Tony told her it was about time she found somewhere else to go. She obeyed him as meekly as the dogs. Tony has a way about him and it’s not what I’d call charm.

Later that evening, I asked Tony why it had taken him so long to come outside. He said he had been watching a basketball game and assumed the commotion was the usual run of the mill nightly argument. It wasn’t until he recognized my voice (I really must learn to scream louder) that he decided to investigate.

So ends another day in my neighborhood, Mr. Rogers moved out years ago but you’re welcome to come back anytime.


At the suggestion of a few friends and a lot of family members, I am working on short stories about people in my neighborhood. All the characters are real and the events have taken place. They may not be warm and fuzzy but I find them (the people, not necessarily my stories) interesting. I hope you will too. Thanks for reading. Robin





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Guest_ohsteve_*
post Jun 21 09, 15:56
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Robin, an excellent story very well told. I have been in neighborhoods like that but usually leave very quickly. Miss Angie Poe sounds like the type that the words 'enforced contraception' are meant for, as for a functioning alcoholic my father was one of those. People like this are definitely not warm and cuddly but they are interesting.

Steve
 
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merle
post Jun 23 09, 20:16
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Hi Steve - Thanks for visiting, it's lonley over here in the stories section. lol
There was a time when I would have been appalled at the mention of 'enforced contraception', not anymore.
I can't imagine what life would be like with an alcoholic parent.
I'm pleased you enjoyed this writing. Thanks again for taking the time to read.

Robin


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Guest_ohsteve_*
post Jun 23 09, 22:19
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Robin, Yes I am also appalled by the idea of that, but sometimes it sure makes you wonder. I do not believe anyone human has the right to decide what another human may or may not do; we may think many things, but we are not GODS nor is any government. Unfortunately as wonderful as our freedoms are there are limits. Growing up with an alcoholic parent is not the greatest thing in the world, but I love my father for the man I could see beneath the addiction, and I have forgiven him, and told him that I forgive, but can never forget. I think and hope that I have been a much better father to my own children. I hope that I have broken the cycle of desperation and anger. I could never find the answers to how or where it all started as my father would only say that his father was an alcoholic and literally beat my father with a tow chain when he was drunk. Whether his father was the same I don't know and probably will never know, I was only ever verbally abused and humiliated when having to explain why to my friends that I didn't want them to come in to my house.

As for being lonely here, yes here and the forum for short rhymes, and chapters for books are not very well visited here. I am not much of a prose writer, but I do appreciate a good story. I would like to see more envolvement throughout the forums, from everyone, but I also understand that everyone has different things that they prefer. I do try to keep up but sometimes, life just gets in my way...lol.

Take care
Steve
 
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Peterpan
post Jun 25 09, 05:18
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Hello Robin~

I enjoyed your story. I thought that you could have had a stronger ending? You have a unique style of saying what you really mean! I like that! Where is your final line. Is it about Mr Rogers. Perhaps you cant whet the readers appetitie by some thing juicy about him before finishing...leading the reader wanting to hear about your next neighbour??

Thanks for the entertainment.

Bev


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merle
post Jun 25 09, 13:45
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Hi Bev - Thanks for reading. I'm not sure how I can present a stronger ending unless I turn non-fiction into fiction. Mr. Rogers is an American character in a children's television show. At the beginnining of each show he would sing the song, "Won't You be My Neighbor?". Mr. Rogers lives in the sterotypical image of an American neighborhood. (Everyone is friendly, nice home, and not a scrap of litter anywhere!). Also, Mr. Rogers is white and my neighborhood is 98% black. Over here, once black families move into a neighborhood, the white folks move out, quickly! I doubt very few people outside the US would be able to appreciate the irony of my last line.


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Peterpan
post Jun 25 09, 13:54
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Hello Merle~

Now, I understand. Ok. Writing is complicated as we do need to write for an international audience and yet, the idiocyncracies (sp) of our own nation are pertinent too. mmm. I will have to give this one some thought. I am faced with the same problems, in South Africa. We (of course) also have all sorts of interesting national titbits which are not appreciated by an international audience. When this arises I do have a glossary of terms.

I enjoyed your story. [I am sitting here watching the Confed Soccer Cup and there is a strong reaction and petition against Racism at the games.]

I will be back if I can offer more comment.

Keep writing.

Bev




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Sekhmet
post Jun 26 09, 09:54
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Hello there Merle - How good to see you in the Short Story section!
Your characters, (even the dogs) came snapping and staggering off the page, so that I could smell the booze on Miss Angie Poe. and hear Pedro's high pitched yapping.
You have such an amused, 'seen it all', slightly cynical 'voice' - which added an extra dash of relish to your high action story.
I am glad you explained 'Mr Rogers', although I feel he will not be coming calling in your neighbourhood anytime soon.
If you have any more stories - I, for one, would love to hear them - my life is exactly the opposite of yours; too much peace and quiet. I get the feeling that you have a window onto a world that I will never see.
I have to applaud the dedication of both you & Tony to animal rescue - it must make your lives very 'interesting'.
A good piece of reportage - full of life.
Leo


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merle
post Jun 30 09, 22:58
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Hi Steve -

Please forgive my late reply, Summer is here and I can't resist the outdoors.
Although I can't relate to an alcoholic parent; I do have a mother with some serious mental issues. I completely understand the humiliation as well as the avoidance of having friends come to your home. I do know alcoholism is a disease that is handed down from one generation to another. It shows great strength of character to have broken the cycle. I have no doubt you are a wonderful father.

Cheers,
Merle



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merle
post Jun 30 09, 23:00
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Hi Bev -

I wasn't aware we needed to write for an international audience. I learn something new every day. I doubt I will remove references to American culture, however, I like the idea of a glossary or making notations at the bottom of the story. You've been very helpful. Thank you.

merle


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merle
post Jun 30 09, 23:06
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Hi Leo -

Your comments are as enjoyable as your writings.
Oh, how I would love to trade places with you, even for a week or two would be lovely.
Yes, animal rescue is very rewarding...expensive, frustrating, and exhausting. I wouldn't be happy doing anything else. lol
As for that window on my world; sometimes I wish I could pull a shade down and block it all out but then I'd have nothing to write about.
Thank you so much for stopping by.

merle


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Aphrodite
post Oct 3 09, 09:17
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Hi Merle,

I enjoyed your story and the passion behind your words! You set the tone/setting with quite a punch!

Having said that, continue writing about what you know as the transference of genuine emotion comes streaming out! I appreciate the passion you have for animal rescue too as I love animals! We need more people like you to care so much!

Stay safe and keep on writing!

Thank you for sharing!


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"Imagination is more important than knowledge and encircles the world"
Albert Einstein

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merle
post Dec 30 09, 22:55
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Hi Aphrodite -

Hey...I haven't seen anyone in this area in quite some time. I'm pleased you enjoyed this story. I hope to be writing more. Thank you.

Robin


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Kimi
post Jan 19 10, 04:40
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Merle,
I love reading your works, you give an insight to your world, one very distance from mine. To me yours is a scary one, but yet you have such a way with words I find myself laughing. I would rather walk in the mountains running from bears then dropping face first on a sidewalk due to gun shots. Please keep sharing your life with us. i will continue to read and learn another aspect of life.
I am still willing to take Alley off of your hands you know.
big hugs
Kimi


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Guest_annelliot_*
post Jan 23 10, 11:00
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Hello Merle:

An excellent story! I think that it is a wonderful idea to have a group of stories themed around your everyday adventures! This one was very well written with nice (or not so nice) descriptions that really get the reader into the story. Those of us who live in the country miss the interaction with colorful characters. You must bring them to life!

Laura
 
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Psyche
post Apr 18 10, 00:37
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Hi Robin!

I haven't visited this forum for ages, shame on me! But I really did enjoy reading your story about your everyday neighborhood adventures. It's a mix of humor with a background that's quite revealing about the characters' various modes of 'social' interchange...LOL.... so very human! I guess we're all quite absurd in our daily lives. But you've put it in writing and I hope you continue with this thematic idea, it's cool!

BTW, there's an Odin competition here at MM where you could enter it. The deadline is April 30th. You'd certainly get more of an audience to read your work. We writers & poets yearn for readers... charliebrown.gif

Anyway, Odin's forum is just down the way from here, along with other challenges. You can win percentages for chapbook publishing!

Take or toss, natch! I just like your story.

Cheers, Syl***


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Mis temas favoritos



The Lord replied, my precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.


"There is no life higher than the grasstops
Or the hearts of sheep, and the wind
Pours by like destiny, bending
Everything in one direction."

Sylvia Plath, Crossing the Water, Wuthering Heights.



Nominate 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!

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merle
post Apr 18 10, 16:01
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Hi Psyche -

I'm happy you enjoyed the story and yes, we're all rather absurd at times, makes me wonder who's telling stories about me! I would very much like to enter this story in Odin's, how do I go about it?

Thanks for taking the time to peek in.

Robin


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Eisa
post Apr 18 10, 16:30
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Hi Merle

I remember reading this some time ago and can't think why I didn't leave a reply. I don't get here very often and I wish this forum was used more frequently. I only write poetry, but often think I should try my hand at a story.

I agree with Syl, this would make an excellent entry for Odin's which you will find at this link

I would love to read more of your stories - have you written many more? I think the fact this is about real people & situations makes them really come to life. I have missed reading your poetry too. You have a really unique way of writing. I hope we'll see more of you soon.

Snow Snowflake.gif

Any problems with Odin's, don't hesitate to contact a member of staff.


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Live one day at a time -it's simpler that way.
Laugh loud & often - it's medicinal.
Write from the heart - it's therapeutic.
Beauty comes from within - the outer is just skin!

Nominate 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 details, click here!

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Psyche
post Apr 18 10, 23:46
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Hi again, Robin!

My pleasure, Robin. Wish I had more time to learn from others such as you.

I see that Snow has already given you the link, that's great! You'll see that this year has been slow because our lovely Admininistrator Lori had a series of personal problems, so the usual bulletins were not sent out to let people know about this competition. But she's sorted most things out now, and will be back to communicating more regularly with members. Fact is, all staff have been in difficulties this year...

It's really a good idea to enter Odin, because with a First Place you win publication and with a 2nd. you get a 25% discount (it all figures in the rules, I may have got it wrong). So if you enter regularly, you can go adding percentages until you have enough to publish, as well as receive a nice amount of free copies for yourself. The chapbook goes on sale in MM's Bookstore and you receive your share from sales.

It's creative & fun. Send your poetry as well, it's on alternate 3-month periods.

You have a lot of talent and it's a shame few members have read your work. Here's your chance to get it 'out there', an excellent boost to your writing career. May I ask whether you've published before? Excuse my ignorance. I'll take a peek at your profile again.. cheer.gif

All the best, Syl***



QUOTE (merle @ Apr 18 10, 23:01 ) *
Hi Psyche -

I'm happy you enjoyed the story and yes, we're all rather absurd at times, makes me wonder who's telling stories about me! I would very much like to enter this story in Odin's, how do I go about it?

Thanks for taking the time to peek in.

Robin



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Mis temas favoritos



The Lord replied, my precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.


"There is no life higher than the grasstops
Or the hearts of sheep, and the wind
Pours by like destiny, bending
Everything in one direction."

Sylvia Plath, Crossing the Water, Wuthering Heights.



Nominate 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!

MM Award Winner
 
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merle
post Apr 19 10, 11:12
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Hi Snow -

Thank you for blowing the dust off this story and sending me the link to Odin's Challenge, it sounds like fun. Oh, you certainly should try your hand at writing stories. To me, poems are just compacted stories and if you can write poem, you can write a story. And yes, I have plenty of stories about the people in my neighborhood, I find them interesting. I seem to go through periods of stagnation and stop writing but it always calls me back so I hope to put in more of an appearance in the future. Thanks again for your help.

Robin


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