The Minstrel

There's a dream I've had, now and then through the years,
     And I wonder if it could be true.
The vision is vividly etched in my soul,
     Of the places and people I knew.

My home was the road that I rambled each day.
     A traveling minstrel my trade.
My pockets weren't filled with much silver or gold.
     My wealth stacked with friends I had made.

I'd sing and I'd play for the working class folk;
     Whose smiles and tears were sincere.
They'd feed me, and house me, and show me respect,
     And share family stories and beer.

But, The lords and the ladies, kings and the queens,
     Would compete for whose bard was the best;
So, they stole me away from the people I loved,
     And displayed me at royal behest.

And all that is left of the dream I have had,
     Is a lonely, enslaved troubadour;
Who cannot remember the joy he once knew,
     Or the friends that he'll see, nevermore.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Mehta Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 12:38 AM
Nice rendering of the bold past life, Robert, congrats
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:42 PM
Congrats to you too, Dr. Ram. Thank you very much, My friend..... Robert.
George   Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 8:34 PM
And a great bard you are til this day. This is top notch in my books, Robert. Many congrats. Elaine
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:40 PM
Thank you so much, Elaine. That's very kind of you.... Robert.
Lindley Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 8:19 PM
"They'd feed me, and house me, and show me respect, And share family stories and beer." Kind Sir, where do I apply for this job! Big congrats on your win my friend!
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:39 PM
Thanks, Robert, and congrats to you too. Yes, I believe it was a dream job that I once had. Happy you liked it my friend..... Robert.
Smith Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 5:53 PM
What an adventurous past life, Robert, my friend. Congrats on a great win. Hugs.. Arlene
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:35 PM
Congrats to you to, Arlene. I believe it was adventurous life and the dream does come to me now and then. Glad you liked it. Robert.
Sietesantos Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 4:32 PM
Hi Robert, congratulations on a well-deserved top win! This is such a wonderfully descriptive write that I enjoyed reading it immensely and felt transported to another place and time. Pandita.
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:32 PM
Thank you so much, Pandita. It transported me as I wrote it. A great journey.... Robert.
Gorelick Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 4:18 PM
I would have placed this higher..I think its excellent. I think its a strong possibility that you were a bard! . lol. Congrats. BG
Nehls Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:24 PM
Well, thanks Barbara. I appreciate that and congrats on your win.... Robert.
Davis Avatar
June 27, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Robert Such an exciting and wondrous adventure you have written. It's like and old time fable that captivates and entertains. Thank you for the nice comment on my It Could Happen To You poem.
Nehls Avatar
June 28, 2014 at 8:26 PM
Thank so much for your kind comments, Robin. Always nice to hear from you.... Robert.
Gibson Avatar
June 27, 2014 at 2:18 PM
I really enjoyed this, Robert. Just love the way you write...I am an old soul who responds to poetry the way it was when I was introduced to it. Hope all is well with you. I have been having some family fun time with those delightful grandkids. Best wishes to you.
Nehls Avatar
June 27, 2014 at 6:09 PM
Thanks so much, Faye, for your comments and your friendship. I'm glad you enjoy my poetry. I know exactly what you mean about responding to this type of poetry. I like poetry that is easy to understand and flows like music. All is well and I'm happy your having a good time with the grandkids..... Robert.
Kendrick Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 6:27 AM
Enjoyed reading your creative work..Reads like an exciting lifestyle only for awhile then one needs to settle..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Nehls Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 6:05 PM
Thanks so much for the comment, Sara. For some that lifestyle is their life and they know no other way. Not for me, mind you, but, I do know that in the old days it was a well respected trade. Your comments are always welcome..... Robert.
Andresen Avatar
June 24, 2014 at 8:02 AM
- Maybe you were A traveling minstrel in another life :) - Skilled and lovely written, Robert ! - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Nehls Avatar
June 24, 2014 at 11:35 AM
I think maybe I was. Thanks for reading my poetry, Anne Lise. I appreciate your comments..... Robert.
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