Robbie Burns

(THE TAKANINI VERSION)

Glazes eyes affixed to life’s heavy hinged seal,
waiting for 11am to be served his liquid meal.
Empty flagons he carries with a shaky mournful hurt,
red nose prominent, pant’s half-mask, torn shirt!

Once inside he alleges not to rush,
doing it right, with the odd apologetic push.
But hunger and thirst have taken their toll,
eaten away his liver condemned his soul!

Only he knows, payment for what he carries,
surplus liquor down the hand, his tongue to marry.
A lustful grin contrived with obsessive ease,
metabolism needing, acute pain to please!

This little man a kindly looking soul,
no doubt a victim, of society’s goal.
Scratching a living, on taxpayer’s dole,
helping the brewer to achieve his whole!

Screw top is off before vehicle is reached,
parting lips exposed, the target is breached.
A shameful smile or a satisfied grin?
Accompanied each gulp that went within!

His jalopy began with a burst of smoke,
head turned away, from leering eyes of folk.
A repeat can be seen every single day,
that is till; his mind loses the way!

(EPILOQUE)

Though I feel a sadness deep within
I wouldn’t be surprised if the laugh
was on him, despite his lewd behaviour
and pose, he’s a damn sight happier would
you believe than most!

© Harry J Horsman  1986

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 8/18/2015 7:26:00 AM
congratulations Harry a wonderful write this one,deserves putting to music like the baird of Salford does xx
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Date: 8/17/2015 2:34:00 PM
Hi Harry,, :-) Congratulations with your wonderful win! *SKAT*
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Date: 8/17/2015 7:44:00 AM
Robbie is my second best poet ever, I used to smoke cigars named for him. Very nice job here---Robbie would be proud.
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Date: 8/16/2015 1:59:00 PM
He erases his thoughts and sadness by using fire water. Lets let him be if it makes him happy! Leave the worrying to us sober ones! ~ Congrats on your top podium finish, Harry!! // paul
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Date: 8/16/2015 12:57:00 AM
A classic, Harry, and a touch sad. Congratulations on your fine win. Regards, Viv
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Date: 8/15/2015 7:36:00 PM
Exceptional storytelling Harry. I have known men like this and it is sad to consider he might be happier then most. It is a sad commentary on the plight of modern day man. Congratulations on a fine win, I am honored to share top spot with such a talented gentleman. 7 all the way!
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Date: 8/15/2015 1:07:00 PM
really enjoyed reading your rather sad rhyme - i love the final stanza especially... :-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 8/15/2015 12:37:00 PM
Congrats on 1st place! ... Your poem has great flow and rhyme. I really enjoyed it, especially that final stanza. An excellent write, Harry!
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Date: 5/2/2013 9:46:00 AM
oh, I just found out reading some of the comments. this was FEATURED recently. Wow, Soup goes back far for some of its featured poems. Congratulations!!
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Date: 5/2/2013 9:45:00 AM
hey, this is so cool. You must have many fans because this is way in your back page and at least four people have read and commented on it since I did some time ago!! That really shows how well loved you are here at Soup, Harry. Will miss you. Don't be gone long, ok?
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Date: 3/30/2013 4:24:00 PM
Harry, this endures a good flowing rhyming poem. Many Blessings with your Featured Poem of the week. By the way no matter my blue color or tune I am always here, spreading the colorful cheer.....Happy Easter!" xox~ LINDA
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Date: 3/25/2013 1:12:00 PM
Congrats Harry on the featuring of "Robbie Burns." There is no price tag on happiness.
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Date: 3/24/2013 7:54:00 PM
Harry..this hit my soul...hard...many people think these souls are bad or trash but they know not what..brought them here..people who do not have a strong support system of family and friends use this many times as the only comfort..a wonderful featured poem. We never know what someone has been through. Not all deserve us to give up on them. Just a chance.
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Date: 3/1/2013 2:01:00 PM
Dear Harry,Hope this finds YOU and YOURS Healthy and high in the Spirit. this has grasped my inner core. I have recently joined AA, but I was this man for many years YOU have exposed the truth. "a shameful smile or a satisfied grin? Accompanied each gulp that went within!" I know not the answer even though I have done it many times. A sad piece but effective Imagery LOVE YOU ALWAYS and FOREVER YOUR Eternal Liege...Harry
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Date: 1/21/2013 8:05:00 AM
Hi , you know in reading i like your rhymes i like them a lot you should do more, you seem to have settled more in to free verse but you are so good at quatrains xx
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Date: 3/20/2012 7:24:00 PM
That poor old guy. You really paint the picture of him well. Yes, I can see how he would be happier even than some others in the world. He seems to at least have a stress free life!! It's sure fun visiting your archives.
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Date: 10/4/2010 9:26:00 AM
Really sad...sad that he chose this option, but as we all know, life has many twists and turns..sometimes you want to say, 'oh, forget it!' Have a good day, Harry. Peace, Audrey
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Date: 5/25/2010 8:59:00 AM
well done enjoyed, a tad on the sad side, most impressed with the ending,..p.d.
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