The Ventriloquist

He walked on stage, the puppet in one hand
as the audience was clapping, for they knew
the act of this ventriloquist was grand!
His puppet was a sailor dressed in blue,
and quite a sailor’s mouth that puppet had.
As long as his “sailor boy” had a joke,
the puppet master’s show could not go bad.
Such ribald words his lips, unmoving, spoke;
however, the ventriloquist was shy!
Without the “boy,” he had no words to say.
One night a lady winked and then said hi.
He said, “Let’s get together the next day.”
The gal fast came to the realization -
sans puppet, he had no conversation!

June 21, 2018 for Anthony Slausen's Ventriloquist Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Laurie Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 12:28 AM
Hello Andrea … your sonnet explains the reality of many entertainers. They really are only actors up on stage - thank you Andrea - Lindsay
Krutsinger Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 1:17 AM
This reminds us that humans are so lopsided in some ways! Nicely penned, Andrea. Good luck!
Lindley Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 11:50 AM
You my friend deliver magnificent verses no matter which poetry form you compose in. Your fine sonnets highlight that gifted talent and your deep insight into poetry's art... Definitely a great fav for me this fine morn my friend.
Peterson Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 12:13 AM
This one is quite engaging, and I marvel over its concept, construction and rhyme. Beyond my ability, I should think. You've had quite an array of characters in your head, during your life and time. I like how this one ends.
Wolf Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 3:26 PM
Excellent ending!! … Interestingly an international student of mine (Bulgarian) is an award-winning puppeteer. She has very mixed feelings about ventriloquism and ventriloquists--for the exact reason that your poem's tale told. Kudos! ~ gw
Devonshire Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 2:52 PM
Nicely done, Andrea. There are some people who lack conversation skills, but excel in arts like ventriloquism. Shyness is probably part of the reason. Best wishes in the contest, Hon. Hugs, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 2:53 PM
Soup mail
Chakrabarty Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 12:21 PM
ends with great twister...and pain for the ventriloquist too.It's soooo gooood.Love
Beaufort Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 9:06 AM
Yes, a witty little story. Stories and jokes are a lot of fun. You make this look very easy.
Nance Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 6:57 PM
visually perfect, a great little story piece.
Bauer Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 3:48 PM
ha! a well-told story, andrea! good luck in the contest...
Pandit Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 1:36 PM
That is why he spoke through his puppet..best for a win, Andrea.
One Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 12:12 PM
Great sonnet Andrea, it flows so well...
Smith Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 11:45 AM
Maybe his hands did all the talking, maybe that's not so good...Best wishes in the contest.
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 9:45 AM
lovely sonnet Andrea but a sad ending, he should have taken the puppet on the date. Good luck. Tom
Allison Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 9:40 AM
aww what a sad ending Andrea to think he couldnt do without his prop to help him find his inner voice:-( hugs jan xx
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