James Fraser Poet Quatrain

He Was Once a Politician

That's not my elephant! my father said to me
Mine is pink with wings, funnily, he likes to eat spaghetti
I think I'll call him Ella, named after a girl I knew
We danced at the 2nd graders ball, her dress was so see through

My father was once a politician, until his marbles began to set
I visit him as often as I can, introducing as if we'd just met
But somewhere in his confusion, he can recite The Bill of Rights
And once he does he smiles, to me he can still delight

As I turn to leave, to wave goodbye, in his eyes I see a tear
Still reciting The Bill of Rights, smiling from ear to ear
With Ella from the 2nd graders, he smiles in self triumphant
As he points towards the window, it's not pink, that's not my elephant!

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Carol Sunshine Brown January 21, 2011 at 3:32 AM Congratulations on your win James in the "That's Not My Elephant" contest by Matt Caliri. Love, Carol

Carolyn Devonshire January 20, 2011 at 1:18 PM James, I'm delighted to see this incredible poem in the winners' circle. Congratulations! Love, Carolyn

Linda-Marie Sweetheart January 20, 2011 at 1:15 PM Congrats James on your terrific win in Matt's elephant theme contest .. another awesome write and win.. enjoy your top spot with luv..

Diane Locksley January 20, 2011 at 1:02 PM You combined humor and sadness to make an outstanding poem James. This is the best one I've seen. Congratulations!

Tahera Mannan January 20, 2011 at 6:49 AM Many warm congrats dear friend for this super win.

Kash Poet January 20, 2011 at 4:18 AM Congratulations James on your well deserved win in the contest of Matt.-Enjoyed your poem --kashinath

Wilma Neels December 19, 2010 at 9:26 AM James, you are one clever poet my friend, poignant piece and enjoyed by tired little me ;)

Deb Radke December 18, 2010 at 11:43 AM Ah, I see now what inspired you to write this poem. All the better, James. All the better. ps. soup mail to you.

Deb Radke December 17, 2010 at 11:13 AM Very good James. And very well said. You've caught the truth here, of how we all grow older. And yet, your father in this poem, I like his humor, and that he both cries, and smiles; 'We may be old, but we are not dead...' Someone said that, I don't remember who, perhaps you know; but you have said it better here. I love the phrase 'to me he can still delight'. Very good writing.

Carolyn Devonshire December 17, 2010 at 11:04 AM Oh, this is so poignant, James. It's sad to see our elders lose touch with reality and I love the way this man can still recite the Bill of Rights. There's much truth behind the veil in this poem. Awesome one for my favorites! Love, Carolyn