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The Measure Of A Fall

Last 100 Poems/Stories/Columns:

Author: bickerstaffe

Created: August 14, 2012 at 04:01 pm

Entry Type: Poem, M (16+)

Category: Spiritual | Inspirational | General/Other

Entry Stats: 4.87 Stars by 8 users with 8 comments 125 views

The Measure Of A Fall

Two hundred miles and counting,
Kansas blacktop, fighting snow,
visibility's poor and his sadness is mounting,
from here to there he has nowhere to go.

Lela left, took the kids and the horses,
hostility raging and angry goodbyes,
broken dishes and old, shattered promises,
nothing but highway and tears in his eyes.

Wichita, Lawrence, there's nobody waiting,
mile upon mile with no real destination,
no one to call and his memories grating,
pondering all the while death, or salvation.

Yet there are motels and marks of community,
churches that urge you to come on inside,
Salvation Army to use with impunity,
doctors and hospitals serving with pride.

Hope springs eternal, that's what they say,
confidence builds as he goes on his way,
to gather himself, shake it off, that is all,
grace the true measure, the cure for a fall.

Last Modified: August 17, 2012 at 02:31 pm

Author Notes

...inspired by the song 'Northbound 35' by Jeffrey Foucault.

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Comments & Reviews (

X 15)

AlmostAnAlien
August 19, 2012

Helpful:

Fabulous!.

I can't give a critical review!. I think this is just wonderful. I could picture the whole thing, it's so well written. Well done, and keep writing.

Peace.

Additional Comments (2)

bickerstaffe
August 19, 2012
(Creator)

Thank you very much! The song Northbound 35 is on Jeffrey Foucault's CD 'Stripping Cane...' you should check it out. He's a REAL poet/singer/songwriter. Best wishes, Keith

AlmostAnAlien
September 03, 2012

I will check it out!.

emerystone
August 18, 2012

Helpful:

Well sung anthem the frequency of my reviews is based on your loving timely posted poems; prolific and great all your loving escapades lately seem to have an American theme. You have talented bubbling forth like the water at Ton bridge wells. I find your words filled with rejuvenation and healthy tone leaning toward sentimentality his poem accomplish that in bucket fulls peace out bird definitely spotlight

Additional Comments (1)

bickerstaffe
August 18, 2012
(Creator)

I am so grateful to you for your kind attention to my work... thanks again, emery! Best wishes, Keith

MichaelTBlack
August 15, 2012

Helpful:

Spotlight

I very seldom do that.

Anyways this sparkles with a luster brilliant and cold, and to say such a thing amongst a catalog of your poetry is a true admission of vastly superior writing. I love the flow and the scheme (the way it switches at the end truly resonates and drives home your point), the structure, the genius. The machinations at play here are a wonderful thing to behold. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for being you. A brilliant poet.

"Not all those who wander are lost." - The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

Best regards,
Michael Thomas Black

Additional Comments (6)

bickerstaffe
August 15, 2012
(Creator)

Well, shucks... thank you kindly!!! Foucault's CD, 'Stripping Cane,' (which includes 'Northbound 35'), is seldom far from my player. My poem's title is the final line of the chorus. Great quote! Keith

MichaelTBlack
August 15, 2012

Oh, god... yet another thing I must explore. And thank you. Tolkien is one of my favorites.

bickerstaffe
August 16, 2012
(Creator)

I neglected to thank you for the spotlight... sorry 'bout that.

MichaelTBlack
August 16, 2012

Oh, well I was deeply offended!!!!

bickerstaffe
August 16, 2012
(Creator)

haha... I hope!

MichaelTBlack
August 18, 2012

I wish I could SL this again and get it to the top of that little list we care so much about for no real reason...

WakeTheMoon
August 15, 2012

Helpful:

I really like how you place a scene and poetically form a meaningful message, Keith. Your writing fosters creativity and the style of writing is so readable and flowing. A pleasure always to come your way. Hope all your journeys bring good measure. SL

Additional Comments (1)

bickerstaffe
August 15, 2012
(Creator)

Thanks so much, Sue! I am always exhilarated by your remarks!!! Best wishes, Keith

SanExpeditus
August 15, 2012

Helpful:

A Lonely Write

Full of compassion for someone who has lost all they hold dear. Dear Keith, your poem tells the tragic story of a new-found displacement, a loneliness and a wandering, your words paint the isolation and sorrow of the subject into my heart as I read. But as I read my spirit is lifted by the glimmer of hope to be found in others and by the 'grace' displayed in accepting the hand of kindness and comfort. Bravo, dear poet, your poems tell a thousand stories... SL.

Additional Comments (1)

bickerstaffe
August 15, 2012
(Creator)

I have always had a knack of decoding loneliness in other people. maybe because I've spent most of my life outside of social circles, shy and retiring. I have written several poems on the issue, feeling strangely comfortable there. Thank you for the little 'clappy' guys and your insightful remarks. Best wishes, Keith

philip19
August 15, 2012

Helpful:

Hi-love that last line-grace the true measure, the cure for a fall-sadness tinged with hope-and maybe salvation.

Additional Comments (1)

bickerstaffe
August 15, 2012
(Creator)

Thanks Phillip... your kind remarks are much appreciated! Best wishes, Keith

ThePoetDarkling
August 14, 2012

Helpful:

Been there, done that...and I wasn't even near rock bottom yet! lol Excellent, as always my friend, Jan

Additional Comments (3)

bickerstaffe
August 14, 2012
(Creator)

Much appreciated Jan... you should check out Foucault's CDs, especially 'Stripping Cane,' featuring Northbound 35.

ThePoetDarkling
August 17, 2012

Thank you, I will!

ThePoetDarkling
August 17, 2012

Thank you, I will!

elfqueena
August 14, 2012

Helpful:

Awesome poem I think I like the way you write it was so moving and so good andthe flow was very very good I really liked this one it was awesome. thank you for the good read. Elfqueena

Additional Comments (1)

bickerstaffe
August 14, 2012
(Creator)

Thank you for the little 'clappy' guys, and for your kind remarks... I am very grateful! Best wishes, Keith


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