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Bio:Closing Time,Memories

CLOSING TIME AT THE PUB The joy, the camaraderie, the smoke. The great ale, my great friends in Chicago. Old Town, North Avenue, twas Chicago,1967. O' Rourke's Pub, where else? Smoky, filled with excellent, lively,repartage and boisterous, glorious laughter. Great friends like Roger Ebert, international film critic now in heaven. Or Tom Erickson, who was in Damien II, a great actor and my boyfriend, too. Even a future Congressman was one of us! I see him currently on the House Floor, fume and fuss. But when I knew him he was a Black Panther! Guess he lost his beret on a CTA bus? Gone, gone,the world is so empty without them. As silent as a banned, Covid-empty church pew. Hellers we were, full of vodka, vim and vigor. Joy and love was our de rigeur! And of course...tasty, foreign liqueurs. Second City Imrov Actors joined us, too. I never dreamed that one day I'd share that stage with other famed Second City crew. We were all like close family... Writers, actors, actresses and patriots, too. We marched for civil rights and ending the war in Viet Nam. But never violent nor did we hurt anyone. I still have my leather peace symbol~ with What pride I wore it. No swearing or hurting did we once do! Today's marches resemble rabid animals Escaped from a mental health zoo. These memories, oh, pressed like sweet roses in my heart's golden memory book. Oh, take me back in time, God, I beg you to have just a peek in that window for one-more last look? To see the portrait of Brendan Behan, To hear the bagpipes once again play. To celebrate New Years Eve when O'Rourkes Was on that one night, by invitation only. 'Tis no wonder this poetess gets so lonely! It was indeed one of the many best times of my life. Whilst many were in bed by nine... playing husband and wife, We were discussing news, jokes and life! Some ended up with their names, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Such funsters and carousers, we. Our goal: to celebrate life with vigorous hilarity. News was not told by high paid TV liars. My old friends who were truthful writers, Whom I so admired. Today my life..silent as a small dinner bell. My new friends? Poetry Soup. From the wild life...totally retired. But..if I could turn back the hands of time, I would go back to glory days, on a dime! August 10, 2020 4am PST Edited...5amPST

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Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 3/22/2023 1:24:00 PM

Awesomeness Pangie. Glad to be able to comment on such a glorious background. I remember the days... Thanks for a view back in time :)

Panagiota Romios
Date: 3/22/2023 1:55:00 PM

Had no idea this was a POTD. Thanks for being a friend and commenting. You are in my.corner. to learn-and contribute. Not climb the popularity tree.retain your humility and balance. Thanks for your emails. .wow.. Pangie xo

James Marshall Goff

Date: 8/31/2022 2:05:00 PM

Fun bio poem Pangie! Goodness! such an interesting background! Love it! jamesy

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/31/2022 2:39:00 PM

Hi James!I Had totally forgotten that I had written this wow! I don’t write long ponds anymore. Golly it was a carousing time. What fun people. I then moved to San Francisco and had more fun there I was on stage there too, at the Holy City Zoo. California was safe then! Today, It is another Chicago in terms of violence! I got to meet Harvey Korman, Dick Van Dyke, Valerie Harper and John Denver. John was the best we all worked together on ending world hunger! There’s a lot more but I don’t want to seem arrogant or to bore people! I really never dreamed my life could be this good. And wish everyone has a wonderful life! Love, Pangie xx

Joe Dimino

Date: 10/17/2021 12:09:00 PM

Very nice, Pangie; you are so blessed to have had so many wonderful friendships -- and to have been part of exciting American History. Yes, knew many who came back from the Vietnam, entirely, mentally ruined. Physically ruined from contact with Agent Orange. Good you helped end it.

Panagiota Romios
Date: 10/17/2021 12:22:00 PM

That was a very social time of my life. Really incredible. Oroukes,,,movie stars came there, this little nothing Pub. Writers were plentiful., actors. And anti war people we were. I took Elena to peace marches. She was carried on people’s shoulders. No violence back then. We were on Nixon’s back to end it. Sorry about your friends Prince,that’s sad! Thank you Pangie

Quoth Theraven

Date: 12/28/2020 8:27:00 AM

Panagiota, "The joy, the camaraderie, the smoke. The great ale, my great friends in Chicago. Old Town, North Avenue, twas Chicago,1967. O' Rourke's Pub, where else?" Sounds like they were rip roaring good times. Pity when they end though. Kids today wouldn't believe it happened even if they read it on Instagram. True tale of survival in this wonderful bio. I'll have to learn more about this Irish poet Brendan Behan. Best of times in the new year Panagiota, -Richard

Panagiota Romios
Date: 12/28/2020 10:32:00 PM

OMGWe were both in Old Town the same year. We even drank at O,Rourkes, did you get to know Roger Ebert! I recall that giant picture of Behan ))) I had parties at my house. Know wonder..were you one of the attendees. Great article online..A BAR ON NORTH AVENUE BY EBERT..I loved O,Rourkes...you can soup me your reply.. Gov here just locked us down for 12 months! UghM Pangiie

David Mchattie

Date: 8/20/2020 4:59:00 PM

Can't say you have not lead an interesting life my friend. I used to love that town. Been to the ball fields many times during the 80's and 90's. Got mugged every time. Congrats on POTD. Stay well my friend.

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/20/2020 5:08:00 PM

Must ask...Cubs or Sox. RSVP at the POTD site. Sooupmai blinds me! I got beaten twice on the South Side. Glad I am so far away now. Prefer fire to beatings and violence anytime. It's worse than ever. Michigan Avenur, even State street is free drive by shopping. Just need a truck and large plastic bags. NyC and Chicago going down a cultural latrine. Also both lawless, want no police. Gee. The Mayor? Frightening.dead kids each weekend. Fake News hides it. Pangie xx

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/18/2020 6:35:00 PM

Congratulations on POTD!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/18/2020 7:18:00 PM

Kim...how fun. I forgot this was a POTD,)))) Feels wonderful when people who are big of heart come by to cingulate me. Tells me much about you. In appreciation, Pangie xx

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/15/2020 4:39:00 PM

I enjoyed this nostalgic poem that took me back to those times I shared too Panagiota. I spent many nights in Chicago and got to know the city well many years ago. Congratulations on your POTD honor my friend. Blessings xxoo

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/15/2020 5:13:00 PM

Hello, Connie! Always great when you comment. Chicago was a heck of a place. Great food, folks, events galore... Ebert was special. Those Years...awesome. I weep for Chicago now. Nightmare to know Muchigan Aveue is no more,.thank you for Comgratulayins. Mant blow off the POTD as a nothing burger. How sad...Forever..Pangie xx

Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 8/13/2020 9:21:00 AM

Congratulations on POTD my dear friend! xomo

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/13/2020 9:27:00 AM

Hi dear Pigeon, You touch me by congratulating me...thank you form the bottom of my heart. **Forever~ Pangiexx 9:39a, PST 8/13/2020

Eve Roper

Date: 8/12/2020 7:38:00 PM

Back with congratulations on POTD. Blessing

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/13/2020 9:22:00 AM

Eve, Please know, how greatly I admire those like you, who come back when a poem is a POTD. That tells me so much about you and your heart. I am so grateful to know a Poetess like you. Thank you Forever~ Pangiexx 9:20am.PST, 8/13/2020

Robert Lindley

Date: 8/12/2020 7:33:00 PM

I am so very pleased my dear friend that your great narrative poem has received due credited recognition for its wonderfully given insight into the life of a great poetess! Congratulations on POTD and the admiration given of this fine poem! God bless.....A fav-- a true gem too!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/13/2020 9:15:00 AM

Honored to have your blessings. It's not that easy to share this. But, people will forever judge us. Story telling is fun in a poem but being myself works best. We all have backgrounds that are great. I love learning how poets came to be...many forces shape us. In my life that was only two years!! A mere snippet. I had no idea who I was with...meaning, their greatness..there were many famous authors there. Thank you for FAVINg.FOREVER~ Pangie xx 9:15 am PST 8/13/2020

Arturo Michael

Date: 8/12/2020 5:57:00 PM

Who's that girl on the hill? It's Panagiota... those were the days my friend... Congratulation on POTD... these words smile from your heart ...

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/13/2020 9:05:00 AM

Hi sweet Arturo! That's me, the girl on the hiil)). Agree on the preciousness of those days. I love your ability to express yourself with such humanity and warmth. I envy you and your comments move me. Forever~ Panagiota thurs. 9:07 am. 8/13/2020

Brandy Nicole

Date: 8/12/2020 12:15:00 PM

Moments in the past are memories of today- that live in the heart. You can always go back to yesterday, years ago, in this way. By looking back. Congratulations Panagiota, on Poem of the Day. ~ Brandy

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 3:58:00 PM

Brandy...heavens,,I missed your comment. Sorry! What a great definition of moments in the past, Thank you much... Forever ~ Pangie xx

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 8/12/2020 10:40:00 AM

Congratulations, Pangie! Quite an honor and I happy for you!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 10:47:00 AM

Bob, Many thanks' Jumping up and down. Had second, third and fourth thoughts about sharing this. But~ that's what I was like then. You know me well, so you already know the changes I have made since.-))) I still have the soul of a "wild child," that never escapes me. thank you. Forever, Pangie xx

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/12/2020 9:06:00 AM

Wonderful memories, Pangie! We have family in the Chicago area - this sounds so familiar. Got to attend the south side St. Patrick's Day parade one year. Congratulations on your POTD. Enjoy the honor! And, thank you for the "Billboard!!!" I am humbled and so appreciative! Blessings to you!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 10:33:00 AM

Hey Sam, I have friends in the city, too. Lucky you. To see the Parade, I am taken aback by this honor. The memories today are alive and glowing like stars on an ebony night.those creative folks will be a lantern along life's path forever., they knew how to live fully. You are welcome, by the way.life is so short, do live it. Forever~ Pangie xx

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/12/2020 8:26:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD win. WOW!!! What a story/poem. A wonderful write. I am with you, let's go back to 1967. It is not the same world but we have our memories. Enjoy your win and day...............

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 10:23:00 AM

Paula, hello. Am enjoying the replies from everyone. Really...it is the best part. I find out who you all are and what you value. I am ready to back. For one simple reason. Human decency was in full swing, that's why. Moreover we were free as birds. My goal till I die...is not to win trophies or POTD's but to help In some small way, to restore the dignity of the human race and we can build a better world, the old paradigms are useless. There is a right and a wrong in life. We both have a job ahead, Forever~ Pangie xx

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 8/12/2020 8:07:00 AM

So grand to record your memories of this historical time in poetry! This is a better reading of those times than a dull history book. I am faving it for your skill and the record. Congratulations!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 10:09:00 AM

Sunlite...what an auspicious comment. I know my deceased friends from O'Rourke's who brought much brilliance and happiness into my life, must see this and know they are not forgotten. Such a fantastic group. I remember walking outside the pub with Ebert and others, staring at the moon..the night the first man walked on the moon. We all cheered. There was no TV at O'Rourke's and no iPhones. iPads, etc. And thank God. We actually spoke face to face, Forever Pangie,xx

Silent One

Date: 8/12/2020 7:38:00 AM

Hey Pangie.... congrats on another POTD

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 9:55:00 AM

Silent...thank you Forever.... Pangie xx

John Gondolf

Date: 8/12/2020 7:31:00 AM

Back to say congrats on POTD, Pangie, I see many other enjoyed this piece as much as I did! You rock! Hugs, John

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 9:51:00 AM

Dear John! Honouned to have you back.. This shocked me to the core, it was my most difficult write. I don't know why! I think I cried as I wrote it. Glad others finally saw what you saw. Will tred on, Doing my best to write naked, honest poetry, you won't find me behind images, or big words.!) I am quite pedantic and pedestrian Forever~ Pangie xx

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/12/2020 7:26:00 AM

By the way, hey-hey, I forgot to congratulate you on yet another Poem of the Day!! Happy for you, my friend! Sweetness and Light, Gershon

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 9:44:00 AM

Congratulations, accepted. I wrote about artists in theater and art who were family, not money grubbers. You would have appreciated the family of creativity we were. None of us were wealthy. We lived simply and loved life.. Money, by the way, is not evil. Being successful is great. That's not selling out. Covetousness is rampant these days. Forever~ Pangie xx Forever~ Pangie

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/12/2020 7:25:00 AM

Yup, remember it all very well, even though I personally was not part of 'the scene.' (Lived in Israel for much of that period). ... Really, the whole bio was great... I esp. laughed at your allusion to 'BP' Bobby Rush, -- What the 'H' happened to him? -- Actually, he joined Jerry Rubin, who became a Wall Street stockbroker if memory serves me correctly, and others of that ilk like Tom Hayden, who went to Congress (with Jane in tow). "Sell-outs" they were dubbed. Ha - they just 'grew up.' :) gw

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 10:11:00 AM

No comment

John Watt

Date: 8/12/2020 6:35:00 AM

Wow, an amazing bio of the wonderful life a colorful personality! We're lucky here at Soup to be your new family! "Truthful writers whom you so admire", that describes you, my friend. Your talented writes always inspire. Heartfelt congratulations on your POTD, and many thanks for your visits and comments. You shine, Pangie! Hugs ~ John

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 9:02:00 AM

Was writing you and it shut off, gr....so sorry, I have no conceit about my Poetry. I do not write to impress. Just express. You will never find words to impress nor stunning imagery. If it happens, it is accidental. I am lucky to be part of you. Thank you Forever~ Pangiexx

Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 8/12/2020 6:12:00 AM

There is still wild in you, I know that for a fact. ;), Thoroughly enjoyed this! Congratulations on POTD dear poetess! xomo

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 8:45:00 AM

Ah! You caught me, Pigeon!! Glad you liked this. Thankful for you and your Poetry. Forever~ Pangiexx

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 8/12/2020 5:00:00 AM

Hello Panagiota, Congrats, on a great poem. If you could step back into time you would not want to leave. Life was exciting back then compared to now. Chicago sounds like a place to have fun and you did. All you can do now is to remember them. hugs Darlene xxxx-oooo

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 8/12/2020 10:23:00 AM

Hello Panagiota, eveni if we want to we can not go back. For some of us that is a good thing. For others it is sad. Hugs Darlene xxxx-oooo.

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 5:05:00 AM

Yoy are right Darlene. I can still see some on line or on You Tube if on a PC,I was reading Rogers description of O' Rouurkes which outshines this little poem. Life was so exciting, yes, I WOUKD go back LOVE, Pangie xxxooo

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 8/12/2020 4:46:00 AM

- A wish many share with you, Panagiota :) - A wonderful poem :) - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 5:10:00 AM

Anne Lise, how sweet and big of heart of you to stop by, Love, Pangie xxx

Ann Gilmour

Date: 8/12/2020 4:11:00 AM

Wow Panagiota such a wild and wonderful time in your life, how fabulous and to share that time in this wonderful bio, no surprise it has been honoured with POTD, well done my friend and thank you for taking me back in time in such a vivid atmospheric way. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/12/2020 5:01:00 AM

Ann it did surprise me-)) that was but two years of a long life of mine. But,,,a full two years it was. Full of a brotherhood of fully electric, lively people. Intelligent and creative to the max. Filled with Pulutzer Prize winners with humility.Roger was my best friend there. Love you Ann