Anne-Lise Andresen | + Follow Poet |
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- The Last Organ Grinder -

    The young mother died,
    before she could hold her newborn child
    Paternity was unknown
    the secret his mother had never shared
    The boy was cradled in the arms of his grandmother
    they were aged poor people in the countryside
    a few chickens and four cows in the barn were all they had

                              no prosperity
                    gossiping at the child's birth -
                          bite thy sinful tongue

    Characterized by tight finances and little food
    The grandfather found hope in the hopeless
    The economy needed a boost
    In the wood shed he found the antique organ grinder
    Polished it shiny and gave it fresh colors
    Life was not meant to be lived in wealth
    the organ pipes were still breathing …
    gave hope for a simpler everyday life
    Every afternoon he took it on his back
    and went his way with heavy steps
    it was jingling coin that drew him
    ... a shame to live on alms

                             daily health and toil
                   the poor man's pride and honour -
                            hope in his tired eyes

Copyright © Anne-Lise Andresen | Year Posted 2023

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Paula Goldsmith Date: 11/23/2023 7:28:00 AM Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed your wonderful/creative write/picture. Hugs... Have a great/wonderful day writing away........... Login to Reply

Silent One Date: 11/22/2023 11:42:00 AM Your narrative is great story telling and an honest reflection on organ grinders.. great imagination.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Login to Reply

Bill Baker Date: 10/30/2023 1:12:00 AM This made me happy just seeing the image at the top. :-) A beautiful Narrative poem, my friend. A hard life but a good life. I could feel the character of this fine old fellow. Good luck in the contest. Bill Login to Reply

Speaks Volumes Date: 10/28/2023 9:04:00 AM This is beautiful dear Anne-Lise. Told in your unmistakable style, you bring the characters to life. Now where are you, you haven't written a poem for days? Login to Reply

Nancy Kaufman Date: 10/28/2023 3:37:00 AM Hi there, This poem paints such great visuals. Enjoyed. Login to Reply

Yann Rolland Date: 10/24/2023 5:00:00 PM very touching poem, gracious melody of art, love music , everywhere and now, thanks poet Login to Reply

Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/24/2023 2:10:00 PM I like the inclusion of haiku. It adds to the quirky feel of this piece. Login to Reply

Victor Buhagiar Date: 10/24/2023 9:26:00 AM Very creative and original. A wonderful poem and a great solution with the organ grinder. Loved this poem by Anne Lise. Blessings. Login to Reply

Kim Rodrigues Date: 10/24/2023 8:19:00 AM Enjoyed this write very much, Anne-Lise! …the organ pipes were still breathing…a shame to live on alms…his ingenuity might bring a bit of life back to the streets and to his pockets. Login to Reply

Ink Empress Date: 10/24/2023 7:49:00 AM Wow what an excellent creative take on this prompt! Ah i need to get started to write for this too. Yours is so good! Its like you can do any prompt and still sound so imaginative! With such poignant and thoughtful lines! The last paragraph made me feel so much sigh!but I love so many lines in this touching narrative! So descriptive and moving! Pleasure reading this! Goodluck for the contest; i bet silent one will love this. Felt this. Fave for me Login to Reply

James Inman Date: 10/23/2023 8:42:00 PM Anne-Lise you have woven a lovely, sad story with a beautifully descriptive setting. Login to Reply Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/24/2023 1:41:00 AM - Many thanks for your comment, James ... a simple life in poverty ... but rich in heart :) - hugs

Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/23/2023 5:29:00 PM A beautiful story you crafted. I could only come up with a limerick! Login to Reply Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/24/2023 1:38:00 AM - Many thanks for your comment, Andrea :) - hugs

Frederic Parker Date: 10/23/2023 3:35:00 PM This powerful poem is about doing what needs to be done in extreme circumstances, driven by the power of love...good luck dear poet Login to Reply Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/24/2023 1:35:00 AM - Many thanks for your comment, Frederic ... everything to survive with love :) - hugs

Sotto Poet Date: 10/23/2023 12:26:00 PM Anne-Lise, Your words have been expertly woven together, capturing the essence of the profound emotional state of a newborn without care. Your writing evokes sympathy, as a calm heart remains unshaken in the midst of the world's chaos and turmoil. Your piece's elegant composition truly demonstrates your talent. Login to Reply Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/24/2023 1:33:00 AM - Many thanks for your comment ... always uplifting words from you, Las :) - hugs

Regina Mcintosh Date: 10/23/2023 7:52:00 AM Exceptional. love it. God bless you with a win, sweet lady. love, Gina Login to Reply Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/24/2023 1:32:00 AM - Many thanks for your comment ... appreciate your words, Gina :) - hugs