He sounds the same, so long as I look at the wall
or the television, or that damn beeping box
No, don't look there
Too many wires and tubes
What the hell is that beeping?
Cussing the nurses, worthless bitches
Yeah, they are, dumb bitches, every one of them
Yeah, Papa, goddamn bitches, I know
And that damn, worthless doctor
Good for nothing son of a bitch
If I had my pistol, I'd show you
Bad news? I got worse news for you, you son of a bitch
He sounds the same, alright
Mean old bastard, and proud of it, as well he should be
they don't make them like that anymore
Mean son of a bitch, tough old bird
Just don't look at his eyes
Mean sons of bitches don't cry
They don't clutch their grand-daughters hands
like they were fucking drowning
Once when he was young, a long time ago
(and when did he get so damn OLD?)
he saw an old man, tubes and wires, all that shit
He said he'd rather die than be him
Now he is him, tubes and wires, shitting the damn bed
There's a bottle of pills at home
A great big bottle of sleeping pills
and if he gets well enough to go home
he's never coming back here again
Daddy doesn't know, doesn't understand
Still thinks this tired old man is invincible
Still thinks he'll be fine, back on his feet in no time
Because he's a tough old bird, mean old bastard
his goddamn hero, his Daddy, for godsakes
SuperMan and John Wayne all rolled up into one
Yeah, maybe, once upon a time
But when things got tough, SuperMan ate a bullet
and even John Wayne lay down his guns, at the end
Ah, shit, I think this might be the end
The last of a dying breed, and I think he's dying
Goddamnit, you mean old bastard
You old son of a bitch, I love you
Author notes
Lloyd W. Slaughter
June 30, 1931 ~ April 17, 2008
Sorry about all the cussing, but that's Papa's trademark. You can't write a poem about him without it
A contest entry
- Make me burst out in tears with your words by KaseyL.
600 points, ended May 9, 2008, 84 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Prewrites :) Yes, as many as you like, but hell this wont be simple. by xxRainbowDawnxx.
700 points, ended November 3, 1103 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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This poem is amazing i love all of the different points of veiw . This poem expresses so much emotion and I think the cussing was a vital part of it.^.^
"Because he's a tough old bird, mean old bastard
his goddamn hero, his Daddy, for godsakes
SuperMan and John Wayne all rolled up into one
Yeah, maybe, once upon a time
But when things got tough, SuperMan ate a bullet
and even John Wayne lay down his guns, at the end
Ah, shit, I think this might be the end
The last of a dying breed, and I think he's dying"
I love this part the most! The whole thing is absolutley beautiful but this part reaches out the most to me.
Good Luck In the contest, and this is a beautiful tribute to your papa!
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I understand the cussing, and how this write wouldn't represent your Papa without it. My Grandpa was the same way, but somehow I always knew that his bark was worse than his bite. Tough on the outside, but mooshy on the inside. He made me feel loved, which was something I lacked at home. This poem really touched my heart and you have done a nice job. What a great tribute to your Papa. Blessings, Patty
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Very expressive and emotional piece you wrote here! Great really good. I love how it feels like you are sitting in the room and hearing someone speak outloud these words in your poem. The end is always hard...but the memories are harder...well done, thanks for sharing
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bravo
I know the type too well...a nicely done portrait, though it seemed a tad more like prose than poetry, but damn good prose.... bravo... bravo... -
I like the writing you have done here. I do not care for gratuitous cussing. I know people like the man you describe. You cannot get the full flavor of the the person without the salty cussing. It is part of their identity. You have done a great job.
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stunning
Papa's love and concern for you, your brother, and his son is what's kept him alive for the last 20+ years. I feel that now that our lives are all on track and we're relatively happy, he can finally let go and get some much needed rest. Touching, honest, and conceived with love, you always know which words. I love you...Dad -
Wow, I don't even know where to start. This is well written, the cussing is well used through out this poem (really lets alot of the feelings behind this get across). Very well done, good luck in the contest, I am sure you will take home something!
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