Harry

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This was written long ago. I am posting it for Andrea's tribute to Harry,

an old mate.

I am sure he is breathing easy now. He is and was a bloody wonder.

Please forgive bad spelling and any words that may not be propper.

Blame it on the Aussies.

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My mate Jim and I were tired of working for a boss. We decided to buy a truck and give the 9 to 5 a toss. We set up a little business, taking produce to the stalls. It was just an idea we had about the time fortune calls. We had a load of melons headed up to Jurien Bay, They had to be at the markets bright an early next day. Making good time, we would get there before dawn. It had rained a tidy sky full, the road was rough and worn. Suddenly the truck went slip slidin, we thought a flat tyre. As we spied the scene she was sinking in a huge quagmire. Now the burden of our troubles seemed too much to carry. Near us was a house, we found out, belonged to Big Harry. He was a retired farrier and a horseman dont you know it . His reputation we heard was that of just an old poet. Jim and I we pushed like Samson and Hercules, All the good that did was just bury us to our knees. Suddenly, we see a sight better than cavalry forces, It was Big Harry leading two huge fine draught horses. Over his arm he had slung harness and yoke and chains Harnessing them, and there’s only the chain that remains. “ Will ya axel take the stain? “ he asked in a shaky old voice. “Yeah it should” I replied, so excited I was ready to rejoice. We helped the poor feeble old man fix the chains to the truck. Now stand back you two, there will be all sorts of flying muck. Then he started giving orders to his two big handsome steeds. His voice grew strong and powerful , orders were not pleads. Words resplendent flowed, the beasts pushed to the core. He cursed and swore an bullied them into giving a little more. Those two beautiful horses pulled with all their might, He shouted as the horses strained, ”it’s in a glue pot all right” The golden horse called Ranger made a slip and nearly fell. Big Harry let loose with language that’d make em blush in hell. With one almighty heave the truck surged forward , higher. It rolled up and out , free from the hold of that quagmire. In a feeble old voice, “there ya go lads, thank Ranger n Thunder” Folks will say he’s just an old poet, but to us he’s a bloomin wonder.

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I Am Anaya

Date: 6/26/2023 11:18:00 AM

A bloody wonder indeed SV well said. It's heart-wrenching that he never saw this, a great piece! Some humor & a bloomin wonder. He never saw my "One Mean Hombre" or maybe just didn't take to it. haha-Congratulations! Xhugs

Speaks Volumes
Date: 6/26/2023 12:41:00 PM

I must go and read it Anaya. Thank you for your kind words. The fact he didnt comment on your poem, doesnt mean he didnt read it. I am sure he loved it, but his affliction made very breath a struggle, so pleasure taken from poems would still have made it difficult (a real effort) to comment on them. You are a special lady. Best wishes.

Sotto Poet

Date: 6/25/2023 7:38:00 PM

Back, dear Vs, with heartfelt felicitations. Your homage to Harry was a splendid offering, one that shall assuredly be cherished by him amidst the celestial realms.

Speaks Volumes
Date: 6/25/2023 8:35:00 PM

Ditto, SP your tribute was that of a true friend. I know Harry would have been mighty proud to read the beautiful words in your poem. A wondeful tribute SP for a wonderful man.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 6/25/2023 5:05:00 PM

- R.I.P. Harry - Congratulations on your lovely tribute :) - hugs

Speaks Volumes
Date: 6/25/2023 8:32:00 PM

Ditto my friend , your tribute was wondewrful. I am sure you Brought Norway to him, when he was with us. Such a lovely man deserving of the wonderful Tributes mentioned today.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/25/2023 2:32:00 PM

I was reading below what you said to Sotto. I am sorry he never saw it, and I hope he is seeing it now, that some way he is able to look down and see all the tributes on my list and his friends' memories of him.

Speaks Volumes
Date: 6/25/2023 4:05:00 PM

You are a darling for holding this uncontest. I planned to send it to Mandy, when she told us Harry was again hospitalised, but umm, well I was banned from Soup for over a month for being reported as a disgusting bully (will say no more about that). Terry Ireland tried to get it to Mandy, but couldnt access her blog. I am sure he is breathing easy smiling his "Harry smile" as he reads all these wonderful tributes. Thanks Andrea.

Sotto Poet

Date: 6/22/2023 6:13:00 PM

Your poem, VS, is a remarkable work of art. The carefully chosen metaphors and eloquent language add a level of beauty that enhances the already magnificent piece. The story about starting a new trucking business appears to be a work of fiction. Also, the shape of the poem resembles that of a watermelon, which leads me to believe that you selected it intentionally. I enjoyed reading your story and wish you the best of luck if it is for a contest.

Speaks Volumes
Date: 6/22/2023 6:36:00 PM

Complete fiction my friend. And you credit me with way too much, the shape is just me, not being able to make my lines a unison length. I wrote this when Harry was first missing for a while from Soup. Shortly after we found out he had been hospitalised. When he came back to Soup my poem was insignificant. I figured he would see it one day. We only chatted in Soup mail. Unfortunately his lung disease took him back to hospital and he didnt return to Soup. He was a gentle man so I hope my poem doesnt offend any one, its written in true Aussie style. Reminiscent of a poem by C.J.Dennis. Thank you for your wonderful words. Its an UNcontest. Hopefully no winners will be chosen. Sweet of Andea to hold it.