Wesley Autrey(AP Photos/Bebeto Matthews) source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/subway_rescue
Have you ever done something truly heroic or have you known someone who did or have you watched a newscast about some disaster where a person stepped in and saved the day, Superman style, and you imagined yourself in their shoes?
If so, tell me your story, real or imagined, in the form of a ballad.
OR, read Wesley Autrey's story in today's news and write him a folk hero ballad that I will try to put to music.
Please respect that this contest is being run "anonymously" and therefore, you should not sign your poem, comment back to the host or otherwise give your identity away to me until after judging. Thank you.
Have you ever done something truly heroic or have you known someone who did or have you watched a newscast about some disaster where a person stepped in and saved the day, Superman style, and you imagined yourself in their shoes?
If so, tell me your story, real or imagined, in the form of a ballad.
OR, read Wesley Autrey's story in today's news and write him a folk hero ballad that I will try to put to music.
Please respect that this contest is being run "anonymously" and therefore, you should not sign your poem, comment back to the host or otherwise give your identity away to me until after judging. Thank you.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on January 9, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 300, Silver: 100, Bronze: 100, Honorable mention: 2 people
- Final notes: Thanks for these fine tributes to the spirit of the hero. I recorded both the winner, which I thought worked best for a folk song (with its refrain and its injection of a traditional spiritual flavor), as well as my own version below and invite you all to take a listen in.
Gold: A Man Named Wesley http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=925404&t=4588
Silver: Dr. Ben McGee
Bronze: The Ballad of Wes Autrey (Subway Superman)
Green: just an ordinary hero
Green: Hope
The Hero of Harlem http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=925407&t=6402
Waiting on the platform
of CCNY a man
he saw a student fall
onto the tracks, how could he stand
there doing nothin? No, he thought
that poor imperiled soul!
I'll save him from the No. 1
I'll jump in there and roll!
REFRAIN
Wesley Autrey, the hero of Harlem!
Wesley Autrey, our hat's off to you!
He gave his two young daughters
not a thought, for faith had he
that when the rescue was performed
back at their sides he'd be
for that is how a hero works --
He's not afraid to lend
his helping hand to others
and to save them when he can!
REFRAIN
At first he tried to pull him up
out of those tracks to climb
But then he saw the Number One
There wasn't any time!
That train was bearing down on them
So Wesley pinned him down
in the drainage trough between the rails --
That train flew o'er southbound!
REFRAIN
Now Wesley's got a meeting
with the Donald and Letterman.
He's got himself a free trip
with his girls to Disneyland.
The mayor has presented him
a medal, shook his hand
and told him proudly, Wesley,
You're our favorite citizen!
Wesley Autrey, the hero of Harlem!
Wesley Autrey, our hat's off to you!
Wesley Autrey, the hero of Harlem!
Wesley Autrey, thanks for all the things you do.
© Marcy Jarvis 2007
Contest Winners
-
A man named Wesley Autrey from New York City town
Along with his two daughters,he's now heaven-bound• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs,
Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
The Ballad of Wes Autrey
Nobody knew what would happen that dayby Elfin 31 lines, 11 comments, on Jan 5 6:37 PM 2007. In Society, Life, Human Nature
Bronze trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
Hope
In a world where there are no heroes,one appeared at just the right timeto save an unknown lifeat peril to his own. Wesley• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Honorable mention
Entries [5]
1 - 5 of 5
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Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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I'm so glad you're doing this contest. I was wondering if anyone would. This is such a wonderful story, and I am just so proud of this brave man. I think I'll try to write something for this. Hugs, Patricia
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Thank you, Patty. That is great to hear -- I am going to try to send him these...
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You always come up with some truly inspiring ideas for contests once again I tip my hat to your imagination. Hope you get all the entries your contest richly deserves
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Thank you, hope to hear from you in this then.
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I read this article while at work and we all thought
what a wonderful thing to do, You never know when the higher power is going to throw one of his mortal Angels your way.. Blessings to you for putting up this contest.
Warm thoughts
Frozentearz -
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Thanks, Tearz. I read again today that two guys in NY caught a toddler who fell from a fire escape. It's not the same level of heroism, more like a happy and "whew!" moment that I'm glad happened, but that thing of jumping into the tracks is really wild!!!
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Congrats to all
Thank you, EA, for your recognition and for hosting such an inspirirng contest. Hats off to all participants! -
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thank you, Balladeer. It was a joy to have your entry.
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Thank you, Sweetie, for the HM and the points. I hope you'll be able to send these to Mr. Autrey. He is indeed a hero to all. God bless him, and God bless us all.
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thanks, Patty. I'm working on it
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I had to wait a while before I actually composed this --- I was literally shaking when I first learned of your recording of my poem. There are no words to adequately express the gratitude that I feel towards you for doing this.
God Bless You,
Tom -
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wow! Thank you, I'm so happy you liked it.
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