Notes About The Poem

Just a Bit Different

I grew up in Middletown, where everything was pretty much average. 
     Every house, every car, every mom, dad and every kid were all
     just about the same.  Except for Paul Locke.  Paul was the only Jewish
     kid on the block.  But that wasn't what made him different. 

     Paul could eat dirt and seemed to enjoy doing so.  Someone would say,
     "show'em Paul",  and he would.  Sand, red clay, loam, dust, it didn't 
     seem to matter.  Paul would reach down and grab a handful, choke it 
     down and then laugh uncontrollably at his accomplishment.  He was at
     his best in those hot July and August days when we hadn't seen rain all
     summer.  
  
     Thinking back on it, I don't believe I ever saw him do mud.
     I suppose even being different must have its limits.  

     Give Me Your Best James Tate-Poetry Contest
     Sponsored by Space Cadet
     11/03/2016
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
August 4, 2021 at 11:44 PM
I enjoyed this one Charlie. It took me back a few years. It was good to drop in on you again. I appreciate your wisdom.
Smith Avatar
August 31, 2021 at 7:10 AM
Thank you Curtis...
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 12:42 PM
This poem was so funny w/nostalgic love, Charlie. It had me laughing so much.This is a happy poem of childhood remembrance. Nice write. Love and peace.
Smith Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Thank you Freddie, I hope it made you smile...
Marie Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 10:28 PM
...oh the quirks people have.:-) a zany piece...with a great last line! ...one of your most imaginative poems that I've read Charlie... with meaning that just makes me smile :-) blessings, lynn
Smith Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 10:27 PM
Thank you Lynn...
Nusker Avatar
December 16, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Outstanding write, Charlie. I just loved the way you made your point at the end. Congrats on your deserving win.
Smith Avatar
December 16, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Thank you Afzal...
Rodrigues Avatar
December 3, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Great write, Charlie! Congrats!
Smith Avatar
December 3, 2016 at 8:31 AM
Thank you Kim...
Bradfield Avatar
December 2, 2016 at 9:37 PM
Congratulations on the top spot, Charlie. This is an outstanding piece of work!.........."even being different must have its limits"..pretty deep stuff actually!!..Larry
Smith Avatar
December 3, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Thanks Larry, this really is a first for me...
Medders Tobechi Avatar
December 2, 2016 at 5:09 PM
Congratulations on your win. Strange guy, Paul.
Smith Avatar
December 2, 2016 at 8:10 PM
Thank you Janis...
Kundu Avatar
December 2, 2016 at 12:06 AM
Weird and absurd and surreal. Great work Charlie, and congratulations!
Smith Avatar
December 2, 2016 at 8:59 AM
Just a bit different Tamal, thanks...
Cadet Avatar
December 1, 2016 at 10:16 PM
Thank you, Mr. Charlie Smith, for participating. Congratulations, too! -- Wesley C.
Smith Avatar
December 1, 2016 at 11:50 PM
Thank you Wesley for sponsoring and your award, it's a first for me. I tried to write it in my best James Tate imitation, I hope you enjoyed it...
Allison Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 3:14 PM
You're a great story teller Charlie - this made me smile but it also made me think of people who suffer from pica ... so it could be true!:-) good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx
Smith Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 9:46 PM
Thanks Jan, I hope you enjoyed the read...
Callus Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 9:54 AM
An entertaining write, Charlie! This might well be fiction, but I would not be surprised...I've seen people do the most crazy things, for as little as a cigarette! // paul
Smith Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 9:47 PM
Thank you Paul...
Onclaud Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 11:48 AM
interesting take on the theme, charlie... your friend should be in the Guinness book of records!..huggs
Smith Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Just a fictitious write Nette, not that I didn't have friends that were capable of crazier things...Thanks for the visit.
Trifiatis Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 8:48 AM
He was different alright! Haha! I do not know anyone who could top him dear, Charlie! Good luck!
Smith Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 11:07 AM
Thanks for the visit Demetrios...
Dietrich Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 6:39 PM
hahaha, I don't know diddly squat about James Tate, but I sure like this!!!
Dietrich Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 6:39 PM
hahaha, I don't know diddly squat about James Tate, but I sure like this!!!
Smith Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 9:02 PM
Thank you Andrea...
Galgiani Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 11:23 AM
Great visual - so interesting to read about what a child might do. LOL ...rg
Smith Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 3:57 PM
The only restriction is one's imagination, thanks Rhoda...
Muideen Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 7:10 AM
I love the imagery in this piece. You really captivated it well. Excellent.........A.M.
Smith Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 8:39 AM
Thank you Afolabi...
Onclaud Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 2:01 PM
intriguing write that way different in theme.. greeeat stuff, charlie..huggs
Smith Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 8:38 AM
Thanks Nette...
P  Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 1:01 PM
A dusty tale, we all have our quirks. Intriguing story, bad case of Pica I suppose.
Smith Avatar
November 5, 2016 at 8:38 AM
Could be. Thank you Paloma...
Vaso Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 9:15 PM
Sure got me do an equal amount of smiling and thinking, great write!
Smith Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 10:52 PM
Thanks Arthur, if anyone could see more from this than just the humor, I've no doubt it would be you...
Lane Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 4:05 PM
You're a great poet, Charlie, and now I discern how talented you are at storytelling.
Smith Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 10:25 PM
Oh so good to hear from you again Lin, you are too kind...
Green Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 2:26 PM
This was great, so real and common for an uncommon action. I love the way you did this. I could picture it in my mind. Another funny thought came to mind as well, but I think I'll keep it to myself.
Smith Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 10:24 PM
Like to hear it Chris, thank you...
Smith Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 2:14 PM
He must have thrived on the attention trying to fit in.
Smith Avatar
November 3, 2016 at 10:23 PM
Probably so. Thanks for the visit Mr. Tim...
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