Smokey Joe's Cafe

My father was a preacher
stood for everything good,
took my mother’s virginity
I was born to the sisterhood.

They left me on a stairway
a ghostly place to be,
down some old back alley
near to a South Auckland quay.

Found I was in the morning
by someone going to work,
he decided to keep me
this understanding old Turk.

Owner of a coffee house
down town in Branston square,
grew up I guess lucky
by someone born to care.

He gave to me his name
that stands above the door,
a photo of me in a frame
in a basket full of straw.

So here I am heavenly blessed
all down to one lucid day,
with a name ne’er to rest
Smokey Joe’s Cafe!

© Harry J Horsman 2012
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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12
Laurie Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 8:41 PM
G'day Harry … really enjoyed the story and easy reading flow. Perhaps ideal for a folk singer - thanks Harry - Lindsay
Ashley Avatar
March 3, 2018 at 10:09 PM
An enchanting poem Harry. I loved the captivating story your wonderful poem told. Congratulations on your fantastic win!
Gauthier Avatar
March 2, 2018 at 8:03 PM
Delightful poem. Most enjoyable read, Harry. Congrats on your well deserved win. Bravo.
Scars Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 11:20 AM
I could pretty much hear a tune behind your words! great poem thank you and congratulations on your placement :) -luloo
A  Avatar
July 6, 2015 at 9:35 PM
Harry :) Congratulations, thank you for supporting my contest. Love **SKAT**
A   Avatar
July 7, 2013 at 10:41 AM
hI Harry, another wonderful winning poem... :-) CONGRATULATIONS -in Nathan's contest!!! awesome winning write. LOVE LOVE * Linda
Pettit Avatar
July 5, 2013 at 10:06 AM
The title reminded me of an old hit song from the mid-fifties. I'm not too familiar with New Zealand.
Liwayway Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Congratulations on your win friend Harry..It's very beautiful poem..hugs, Maria
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:50 AM
Harry, enjoyed this one. Congratulations on your well deserve win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Lamoureux Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:43 AM
This is my personal favorite, I love the whole feel f it. Congratulations my friend.
May Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:26 AM
great write and win Harry...congrats
A  Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 9:47 PM
Harry, congratulations with your winning poem, in Nathan's one of your best poems. *SKAT*
D. Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 9:22 PM
thanks 'nate
Duncan Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 10:48 PM
I love this ;}
Culverhouse Avatar
August 27, 2012 at 2:09 PM
Harry, enjoyed reading your work!!
Johnson Avatar
August 26, 2012 at 4:28 PM
love it Harry :) My dad said during ww2 in brisbane we had a Smoky Joe's cafe here too ...they was burning lamb chops all hours of the day n night...you got inside and couldnt see for smoke an steam rising off the chops hehe
Palli Avatar
August 25, 2012 at 12:36 PM
great job! loved the story
Debole Avatar
August 24, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Hi Joe - Very interesting story. All we need is someone who cares and gives us love and support as we grow. - Gail
Dietrich Avatar
August 24, 2012 at 8:25 PM
wow, so this was all about your ancestor. And there was this cafe in your family's history? Is it still around? It's way cool to know this about you.
Wesley Avatar
August 24, 2012 at 6:16 PM
This is a great story Harry, what a bad start forthat poor little kid and that preacher man needs his arse kicked. You got me going here like a great tale ususally does!:) P S you leave such wonderful comments, keeps me feeling warm! Love,Elizabeth
Dietrich Avatar
August 23, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Putting yourself in the shoes of a colorful character named Joe. My hubbie's name too. Joe's can be quite colorful people to write about. Cute poem for me to find here tonight. I enjoy when you post new stuff!!
Kendrick Avatar
August 23, 2012 at 4:07 PM
Captivating tale told in poetic expression..It got my attention and held it..Enjoyed reading this eve..Sara
Andresen Avatar
August 23, 2012 at 9:01 AM
I like this poem Harry and you impress me constantly....you are brilliant. - meet you on "Smokey Joe`s Cafe" - sounds like a nice place. - oxox huggs Anne-Lise :)
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
August 23, 2012 at 8:19 AM
Love it, love it, love it xx soup
Long Avatar
August 23, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Every day I am amazed by the talent that flows form the poets on the soup.. This is an amazing write my friend.. Thank you for your warm comments on my poem "A moms love"... I am making this a favorite..have a great day . cory
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