Skeet

'Mosquito Pete' (or 'Skeet') for short
A seasoned guy, the strangest sort
It was the only name we ever knew
His story known by very few

A weathered old maverick on a country lane
A bit peculiar, not at all ashamed
He never said much, or went anywhere
Kept close to the vest, with a certain air

We are the neighbors who lived down the road
We heard many stories, he liked to reload
He knew what the sun was intending to do
Why the gray clouds curled, why the sky was blue

He would talk of Nebraska,  hogs and grain
But mostly about crops, the frost, or rain

Standing alone, on a sun-drenched day
Out in the field, he would call to the Jay
He'd look to sky, horizon in his gaze
transfixed for an hour, as if in a daze
There were hints of a past, within seasoned eyes
and we wondered if somewhere, he had known other skies

But lightly, as the blossoms cling, the years swung around
Tapping on his shoulders, until his songs were sung
A maverick barely known, for many a year
...but today, his stories have all ended here

We see an empty farmhouse, and with a sad disbelief...
Surprised, and unexpected,..immense in our grief
For the story that begun over eighty-plus years ago
there is much,... too much,  that we will never know

Who was Skeet...the man that had no name?
Does he have a proper name?  something different to exclaim?

Engraved upon a stone..........what could his name be?
Now, "Skeet" will have to do.....for all eternity.......

___________________
For the contest sponsored by Mystic Rose



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Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 1:44 AM
An excellent poetic adventure, just thinking what is in a name? He seems to have his own fashion of fame. My great grandfather's once grand home sits in ruins from weather damage and neglect on a farm in Kansas, so your story really touched me. Kudos on a wonderful win!
Gibson Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Carrie, you write with such insight into the people and places you describe. Your poem made me remember other old characters from my past...besides me. lol Congratulations.
Guzzi Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 10:43 AM
I'm sure he enjoyed your company. Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
A. Sharma Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 10:35 AM
So lovely Carrie! Amazing take n wonderful win! Big congrats!
Allison Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 1:03 AM
Many congrats on your win Carrie:-) Hugs jan xx
Mcintosh Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 12:22 AM
I love this... amazing. Thanks and Congratulations. With love & prayers, Gina
Meier-Hans Avatar
October 6, 2014 at 8:10 PM
A very heart warming poem Carrie. Congratulations on your win.
Yvonne Avatar
October 6, 2014 at 7:31 PM
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN
Brown Avatar
March 15, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Carrie. Love, Carol
Maverick Avatar
March 14, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Good to see the result here Carrie."
Macmillan Avatar
March 14, 2012 at 6:41 AM
I understand this poem. Many of us have unmet 'friends' or people we appreciate just being, but are not connected to in any way. It's the familiar, the frequently seen.... this poem really touched me, Carrie. Congrats on the win. Judging was really hard with this one! If you can, stop by my new blog, Cyndi
Sweetheart Avatar
March 13, 2012 at 9:42 PM
congrats arrie on a brilliant write and win for Maverick contest luv..
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
December 2, 2010 at 2:59 PM
So many people touch our lives. This fictional character would make a great Hallmark hall of fame episode. Vince
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
March 23, 2010 at 5:28 AM
What a grand imagination you have, my poet friend. The story sounds true! Congratulations on your success in The Life Of A Fictitious Person contest sponsored by: Matt Caliri Smiles, Dane Ann
Beam Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 6:09 PM
thanks you for comment and congratulation too you very nice reads like some one you know the character in mine made up of many from history of amercan indians
White Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Very interesting- Congrats Carrie
Johnson Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Very interesting and mysterious Carrie. congratulations on your win. and thank you for commenting on mine. Love, Joyce
Devonshire Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Superb writing, Carrie. Quite a compelling tale of "Skeet," a mysterious man. Congrats on your win in the contest! Love, Carolyn
Arteaga Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 2:31 PM
what a great story of this man name skeet, his mere mere image was told with a beat. I wonder to why his voice came defeat. congrats! much enjoyed your poem!
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
March 11, 2010 at 6:58 AM
He sounds so real! Excellent writing, Carie! Good luck in the contest
Culverhouse Avatar
February 24, 2010 at 5:31 PM
enjoyed, there are so many people that go by a bb or cc name that people don't know when they die.
Chircop Avatar
February 23, 2010 at 5:42 AM
The best of best............excellent Carrie........Charma
Strand Avatar
February 23, 2010 at 2:57 AM
Thank you for your welcome blog comments today Carrie.Rgds Brian
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