Old Tom was a pigeon fancier
He raced them with true pride.
His world revolved around them
Up until the day he died.
I never knew this gentleman
He was way before my time.
They say he was a steel worker
And was genuine,sweet and kind.
My story starts one sunny day
Within the month of June.
I was admiring the garden scene
As all the flowers were in bloom.
Through my kitchen window
I stood and watched a while.
Then noticed a strange gentleman
Looking old and quite fragile.
He wore an old white sweat scarf
And herring bone cap of grey.
He moved his hand across his brow
As if to wipe the sweat away.
I walked along the garden path
To the place where he was sat.
And asked if I could be of any help,
But he just politely tipped his hat.
I'm waiting for my pigeons dear
They should be home quite soon.
I set them free at five this morning
And now its late afternoon.
I couldn't help but query this
So I knelt down by his side.
For I knew there were no pigeons
So he'd obviously lied.
I asked the stranger where he lived
And what he'd come here for.
And then with his long bony finger
He pointed to my door.
He said he lived there in my house
With his children and his wife.
By now my blood was running cold
Had I stepped into another life.?
The pigeon fancier came to visit
The place he loved the best.
A garden where he'd raised his birds
And put them to the test.
A place that he remembered
From so many years ago.
A place and time beyond this day
A home he used to know.
I watched him walk down the path
As he stumbled to his feet.
He turned the corner at my house,
Then disappeared into the street.
I quickly followed in his steps
And stood and looked around.
Scrutinising from top to bottom
But nowhere could he be found.
Now many years passed on by
Yet I never forgot old Tom.
Then one day I bought a newspaper
Showing photo's of times long gone.
A black and white picture of my house
Dating back to 1934.
And there was Tom the pigeon fancier
Standing on the step of my door.
Author notes
--This is a true story and happened in the 1970s--it is about the man who lived in our house many years ago. It was also witnessed by my husband and daughter--I thought I'd just add that before you start thinking that I'm nuts lol.
Written June 11th, 2006
Princess Perdue.
In a list
A contest entry
- Celebrating 150 by intanglio2ring.
750 points, ended May 23, 2007, 31 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - 49th Contest by Tarja.
475 points, ended November 1, 2007, 3 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Ghosts by Quill.
1750 points, ended July 16, 2008, 23 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Mysterious, Intriguing, Something With A Twist by My Chronos.
1600 points, ended September 10, 29 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 25 of 25
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I completely enjoyed reading this and ghosts...oh I love ghost stories!
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well done
a ghostly pigeon fancier that visited you from the yonder and the world ethereal. Your idenmtification of TOM as the ghost right at the end was the twist. Loved your rhyme..it was taut and chosen carefully.Thanks for your entry dear. -
Awww that's such a cool story made into an awesome poem..thanks for the entry
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I thought this looked familiar,great to enjoy once more
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Congrats on the honorable mention trophy. This wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it works and I admire it all the same. I like how you turned this story into a well written poem. It reminds me of a story I heard once about a man named Mr Gordy.
And in response to your author's notes I didn't for once think you are nuts!
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chilling... and you are quite the story teller! You're not sure when reading this if you really had a visit in the flesh from Tom, who happened to be passing by and was reminscing with you (maybe confused in his old age) or if this was a ghost! Anyway, a wonderful tale and I love that the history was later revealed (confirmed) to you.
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I loved this , made me feel a mixture of emotions and then to find out it was a true story - made my skin prickle ,BOO
Perfect
galfalfa
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Spooky
A haunting tale, well penned! Good luck in the contest! -
WOW!
An excellent account of a tale & you've matched it with a perfect picture - still wondering if your ghost fella's pigeon's coming back to your window. (I know they leave the kinda messy gifts)
Thanks for your entry into my contest & Good Luck!
Tang
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"Now many years passed on by,
Yet I never forgot old Tom.
Then one day I bought an newspaper,
Showing photo's of times long gone.
A black and white picture of my house,
Dating back to 1934.
And there was Tom the pigeon fancier,
Standing on the step of my door. " is my favorite part good luck -
WOW! An amazing poem that is told beautifully. Excellent rhyme, imagery, flow and meter. Loved it as much as I love pigeons.
Char -
Breathtaking
I could not help but feel for Tom the pigeon fancier and to add to that this is a true story, and that makes it even more poignant and tragic. Here was a lovely old man who liked his pigeons, a really well loved member of the community at one time. What is unclear and adds to the mystery of your story is that you don't know whether he stepped through to another time or if you did, or for that matter if you actually encountered the ghost of old Tom. This is a very intreguing peice which shows that both Tom and yourself are and were beautiful people and it also gives insight to your own perspective on the world, in that not only have you "seen" Tom you have also seen his life and felt for him and felt empathy for him. That is well illustrated here as you attempt to invoke our empathy for the man in this first stanza:-
Old Tom was a pigeon fancier,
He raced them with true pride.
His world revolved around them,
Up until the day he died.
I never knew this gentleman,
He was way before my time.
They say he was a steel worker,
And was genuine,sweet and kind
You can really get a feel for the kind of man he was and this draws you into the rest of the poem where you describe your meeting and what he said. This leaves a lasting and memorable impression upon me and it will for all who read it, as for it being a true story, you have made it into a very mysterious yet heartfelt poem and it is very much appreciated. Thank you for entering my contest. -
My kind of write ,loved it,quite inspiring xxx
Edited on Sep 24, 2:53 because ''. -
I belive in ghosts; they're all around us... This is such an endearing and touching piece. Very well written. The imagery gave me chills, so very well expressed. Thanks so much for entering!
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That was a really well written poem story and I would know, I write them all the time!! This war really great. I loved the eerie ghost tale element to the story too. Applauded!
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It's one of those once in a lifetime mysteries that we'll never know. This was heartwarming but a bit sad in places. Very good.
Rock on,
Madison -
Must Read
Wonderful story! I will definately share this one with everyone I know. I cannot believe that really happened....things like that make you wonder. I love how you decided to format the story, in a rhythmic/song type way - the way they use to tell stories. Great GREAT story. I will remember this one. Thanks so much for sharing. -
What a great poem you have done. It has lot's of feeling in it and it makes it a better read knowing it's real. I like the photo used.
keep it up.
thanks for the read. -
OMG I LOVE THIS POEM
its fantastic
!!!! illl give it TWO thumbs up and a applaud!
~mira~ -
Mum, not only is this a wonderfully creepy tale, but you wrote it so vividly that I felt as if I was there with you watching this unfold. I believe in things like this, and I think they happen very often, I just think most people don't realize it, and some just don't think about it because they can't be bothered. Anyway...I love this write so much, I would like to print it for the kids to add to their creepy tales that they read around the campfire at night. If that's okay with you?
Excellent write mum, you need to find a contest for this one!
Love ya,
~Sherry~
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Shaz so nice to have you back , and writing, a wonderful story and even more so being true, Clearly you have a most receptive mind.To pick up such long lost images.I do believe that certain people places or incidents can leave a lasting impression on where they took place A great write and a wonderful read Thank you
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When his pigeons come home, to roost in your dreams; then take care on the morrow.
Good effort. A few style quibbles. Freaky, scruff of the attention stuff. -
Wow!! Great story, and very well structured - reminds me of a darker version of a Chaucer tale. You really should put an authors comment though, sayign it happened in the 70s and stuff - just gives it an extra personal touch.
G xx -
"And was genuine sweet and kind."
And was genuine, sweet and kind
or And was genuine; sweet and kind
"An herring bone cap of grey."
i donno wata herring bone cap of grey is..
but fix it...
lol
besides that
this was awesome!!!!! -
wow spooky. this is a great story and you say its true which makes it even better. Very twilight zone.. do do do do-- do do do do
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