They aren't too high on heroes in the town of Willow Springs,
Too busy farming, raising corn and spuds and beans and things
But they hold their hat to the U.S. flag and Lady Liberty
And, on rainy nights, they sing the praise of Dr. Ben McGee.
The doctor was a common man, which made him something rare.
No Cadillacs, no eight room house, no high or fancy air;
Just a simple man to understand the needs of men was he
Yet no hallowed saint was revered more than Dr. Ben McGee.
They recall the night in '52 when Grayson's youngest, Jill
Came down with pain that tortured her with fever and with chilling
Cold that racked her frail body as she moaned in agony
And would have died had it not been for Dr. Ben McGee.
Within a wink the town had gathered 'round that little house,
Peering through the windows along with Grayson and his spouse.
They saw young Jill lie pale and still within her agony
And, at the bed, they saw the head of Dr. Ben McGee.
Upon arrival, he'd made, with a flair they'd never seen
A sign he posted on the door that spelled out QUARANTINE.
"You folks just wait outside", he'd said, "and put your faith in me"
"This is a case", he smiled, "for God and Dr. Ben McGee."
The townfolk all looked in as he examined her with care,
Their mouths formed little "o"'s because they saw a furious glare
Transfix itself upon the features of their Dr. Ben;
He gave a yell to waken Hell and clenched his teeth and then .....
He grabbed every potion he had in his case
While wiping the forehead of Jill's fevered face
And bellowed at Satan to die in last place
And, with something like voodoo ...
He rattled and shook and got down on his knees
While screaming and cursing at that damned disease
And the rafters were shaking like leaves in the breeze
By the time that he got through.
Three days and nights they watched him as he worked at fever pace,
Beads of sweat cascading freely down his weary face
And, just when they had thought he'd reached the end of Life's short line,
He stepped out and, with trembling hand, tore down the wretched sign.
"You saved her life", old Grayson told him at the bedroom door,
"But we don't have much 'cause we're broke. We always been dirt poor."
Ben looked from Grayson to the bed where his young daughter lay
And smiled at him and said, "Forget it, Grayson. I've been paid."
"I'm going to an empty house - one set of silverware,
And here you got a lovely wife and family who cares.
Don't ever let a lack of money cause you any grievin'
Have me over to eat sometime and we can call it even."
They don't have many heroes in the town of Willow Springs
And bells don't toll for many, nor do herald angels sing,
But three statues stand in Central Park for all the world to see -
George Washington and Harry S. and Dr. Ben McGee
In a list
A contest entry
- Subway Superman by ea.
500 points, ended January 9, 2007, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 21 of 21
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now this is my kind of poetry, reminiscent of Robert Service. Exceptional writing, my pleasure to read.
Rory
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I thank you, sir. Any relationship to Robert Service's work is high praise indeed. Thank you for enjoying it.
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Very Enjoyable
I don't think I can pick out which part of this poem I liked the best, I just read it from beginning to end and nothing in particular jumped out at me. Probably because the whole thing was so good. -
Ahhhhhhh..I see why this won! Is Dr. Ben the one
who is related to Henry Thoreau? LOL.
I love it! It reminds me so much of the kinds of narrative of Twain and Robert Browning's style.
I know, I know. The classics.
Your form was right and it fits the theme. Iambs
and rhymes were correct overall.
:
Lots of kindling for a fire that needs to be
lit with thoughts like these!
Congrats! *Still smiling*.
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I'm sorry to say it's been way too long since I read one of your wonderful ballads, Michael. This hero's tale is so heartwarming, poignant.
Oh for the good old days when the Doc came knocking on our doors to perform his healing duties. My own new doctor actually called me personally awhile back just to ask how I'm feeling... surprised the heck out of me. A rarity as far as I know.
The vivid imagery in this poem brings the who;e scene to life, excellent writing, just as I remember it
Dee
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Hi, catz! Always a pleasure to hear from you. Yes, I grew up in a town with one of the "Doctor Ben"'s and I've never forgotten them. They deserve our praise....stay warm!!!
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Ah, love it. Like cold lemonade in the desert. Great flow, great story, great message, and what America and life are all about. It's good to read a story again by one of my all-time favorite poets. I hope life is treating you well, my friend.
Mark
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Great story
I just bet you could write a novel!
Smile,
Judy
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Thank you, Judy! I could if I had the patience. I don't. Glad you enjoyed...
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Supurb! Story piece excellence achieved here. I applaud your abilities in imagination and rhymed verse.Does this story type style of poetry have a name please? I enjoyed reading this tremendously. It gives away my age to say this. But I'm thinking of Dr. Ben Casey in reading this. And I know who Harry S. was. Republican,right? From Mo. We have the Truman Library here in KC..wHILE IN independance Mo.,a suburb.I'm next door in Eisenhowers state of Kansas.
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This is a beautiful story of a man with such passion enjoyed reading it so very much and good on you winning a silver trophy too
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Thank you, Roseleaf! I'm very glad you enjoyed it
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I haven't read your work in awhile, Michael and when I came to your page I was so glad to see your latest ballad... I always love those.
A wonderful story you've told here, my friend. Filled with compassion, love, understanding... all the things which make for a great ballad about a hero such as Dr.Ben McGee.
And congratulations on the silver trophy win. A very deserving piece
Dee
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Thank you, catz! Unfortunately I haven't been writing for some time but hope to get back to it soon. I appreciate your kind words, my friend
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Not surprised to see a silver trophy attached to this poem. As always, your poem flowed well and had excellent rhyme. You really have a knack for telling a story. You pull the reader right into it so they are compelled to read to the end. Another fine write.
~ Lee A. Stone -
Congratulations!
Really enjoyed your award-winning poem!
Maureen
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Awww... And where have all the REAL heroes gone now? This was a great piece Mike. You held me in rapt attention. I do so admire your ability to bring a tale across with such ease and finesse.
♥ Touchof1der -
At 6:00 a.m. I read this, a tear gently welling,
thinking how tales of kindness should be in the telling
to bring front and center those truths we need to hear,
and no one does it with more heart and style than you -- our Balladeer
~K
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A fine tale of a hero...this world of ours needs more heros - so nice to see you writing again
Perfectly penned Mr Balladeer - and receiving a WOW from the judge i'd say there's a trophy in your future somewhere
Bravo..enjoyed this!
galfalfa
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WOW!
This is really well done and so captivating. I think we can all relate to a local hero who has done something extraordinary in coming to our aid. How wonderful to think of a giving doctor who would accept a meal as payment for his services, while risking all to save that child; I don't know the history behind this (will have to see if I can google Dr. Ben), but it's nice, in the folk tradition, to even imagine someone like this existed. Thank you!
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For want of a more fitting exclamation I will just use the Americanism "Awesome man" I have never heard of Dr Ben McGee so I am glad you wrote this ballad, in fact I am glad that ea thought of this contest. while researching my poem I came across a seven year old boy who was in a car crash with his mother and two sisters and had to run over a mile in snow, dressed only in pj's and barefeet. His mother had sustained terrible injuries, a broken back, neck and ten broken ribs. If he had waited for help to come she would have died. Human nature is a strange thing. Anyway, a wonderful poem with just a typo on line 10 (chilling, should it be chill?) Well done and good luck in the contest. Val
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