My big disappointment

[brum]

I need to share this with you. Back in 1995 I entered a poetry competition for the first and only time and my poem, called 'Rush Hour', was one selected to be published in a book called 'Island Moods and Reflections'. I got the letter from the publishers with the proof of how it would look on the page and I was very excited, understandably. Unfortunately at that time I was very broke and at ?30 I couldn't afford to buy the book, though I felt content enough knowing that somewhere, someone may be reading my poem.

Fast forward 14 years to the present day. I discovered the original paperwork in my old suitcase and decided to track down the book and pay for my own copy - something to show the grandkids, I thought. Sure enough, on Amazon I found a used copy, for sale at ?20. Being flush (relatively speaking) I paid the money and waited for the book to arrive. It did, but I missed the postie so had to go to the sorting office to collect it, which just added to my anticipation.

Back at home I opened the parcel and sure enough there was a pristine copy of the book - hard back and beautifully bound. I read a few poems at the front then went to the index page to find my own poem. Well, can you believe it - it wasn't there!! I searched the pages thinking maybe the index page was wrong. It wasn't. I felt duped and utterly deceived - a deceipt that has lasted some 14 years.

So there it is. Hope you didn't mind me sharing this with you.

[TillieTrotter]

Aah Brum, what a bummer mate.

[boosboss]

Fourteen years later and still no-one's read your poem! Well! How about it? :))

[Keef]

That does suck, but seems to be great motivation for a poem about disappointment!

[brum]

Thanks folks I appreciate your empathy. I like Keef's idea to turn this experience into something positive - I may just do that. So shall I 'publish' Rush hour in this thread as boosboss suggests? Well I expect it will be a bit of an anti-climax after the story, but why not. I'll fetch my suitcase and dig it out....

[LuvPeckham]

Why not publish your poem here so that the whole of ED can read it

[karter]

Hey Brum, if you still have it why don't you post a copy of your poem on here. Thousands of people will get to read it.

[brum]

Rush Hour

Dusk in the City Centre

Cars queue, engines running

Anticipating. Soon to be home.

I walk beside them

Head down, avoiding the glaring headlights

And the bitter-sweet taste of their fumes.

Soon to join them. My car

Awaits, alarmed, secure on Level One.

A figure approaches me, shuffling against the flow.

Thick heavy coat, threadbare scarf

Hangs loosely under grey-stubbled chin.

A withered palm - outstretched and empty.

I look up. He speaks softly whilst

Hardened eyes examine, evaluate my own.

Got 50p for a cup of tea?

I shake my head briskly

I look away. Must walk on.

Though he is still, his eyes still

Follow me. I feel ashamed.

Excuses rush through my mind.

I'm in a hurry - another time maybe -

Why Me? Never mind, soon to forget....

I'll be in my car, in my queue,

Just like all the others. Guilty...

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Very poignant and quite Beautiful Brum.

You are talented.>:D<

[brum]

Gosh. Thanks Tony!

[TillieTrotter]

Nice one Brum, the publisher missed out(tu)

[boosboss]

Worth the wait (tu):))

[Mick Mac]

That's great Brum - can we have another one? - same time tomorrow night? You can start a thread called "Poets Corner" and others can have a go too, I ilke a bit of poetry.

[Keef]

Lovin your work

[brum]

Thanks everyone - I'm really glad I decided to vent my disappointment now! I like the idea of starting up a Poets Corner with contributions from anyone - nice one Mick. I'm not a prolific writer of poetry by any means but I'm happy to kick it off tomorrow night with something.

[brum]

Incidentally, on the subject matter of my poem, to avoid feeling guilty after such encounters I contribute a small amount monthly to St Mungos, the homeless charity and have done for years. I prefer that option rather than giving out cash in the street.

[Ted Max]

Way to go, Brum!

(always wanted to say that)

http://www.educared.org.ar/infanciaenred/pescandoideas/Brum_Pedal_Car.jpg

[PeckhamRose]

Really beautiful.

About the book; it occurred to me maybe there was more than one edition? or version?

[SteveT]

Tilly Trotter is the ace limerick writer on ED forum get your heads together and publish a book between you.

[TillieTrotter]

Don't know about that Steve T, but thanks anyway:-$

[Tony.London Suburbs]

TillieTrotter Wrote:

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> Don't know about that Steve T, but thanks

> anyway:-$

Don't take this personally but that was a poor effort...shouldn't Limericks have 5 lines..::o

[Jeremy]

For some reason, the mood of the poem reminds me of Jam lyrics... particularly "down in the tube station at midnight". Don't know if you'll take that as a compliment or an insult.

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Jeremy Wrote:

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> For some reason, the mood of the poem reminds me

> of Jam lyrics... particularly "down in the tube

> station at midnight". Don't know if you'll take

> that as a compliment or an insult.

Aren't you thinking of The Jam's "Going Underground!":))

[TillieTrotter]

There was a young man called Tony

whose comments were a bit pony

His quips and asides

were too much to abide

when filled with so much baloney

;-);-):))

[Jeremy]

Tony.London Suburbs Wrote:

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> Aren't you thinking of The Jam's "Going

> Underground!":))

No... apparently they actually have more than one song!