DA Hamilton “Don’t call me ‘Ham’” Burger sits behind
his heavy desk leather top scored with signatures
where his pen fatally stabbed affidavits
and severed the jugular of subpoenas
and fumes
dreaming of objections sustained
double-cross questioning
and judges who are silly putty in his hands
Perry and Della are served steak
with sizzling onions and king-size fries
Lieutenant Tragg slips outside the precinct’s dingy back door
and shadows himself slyly under the fire escape
disappearing
one red glow from his cigarette betraying him
who knows where his dark dreams take him
in these silent moments
Perry orders Bordeaux for himself and Della
I turn my collar up as the wind drifts a drizzle in from the bay
where the mournful buoys hoot lonely in the sea and the night
I unscrew my flask for another gulp of tepid coffee
my eyes on the sharp silhouette in the window of the cheap hotel
where even the hood is warmer than I am
Perry and Della eat apple pie a la mode
I find yesterday’s sandwich in my pocket and a thought to chew
Me – my name’s Paul Drake
detective
Author notes
Don't tell me the Perry Mason TV series was set in Denver CO - the novels were set in California.
In a list
A contest entry
- Watching the Detectives by Corvus Corone.
1660 points, ended April 14, 2008, 7 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Noir by Rembrandt Clarke.
875 points, ended August 6, 7 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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Yes they were. The man who wrote those used to live not far from us in a town called Temecula, which is Southeast of LA, just over the hills in the Inland Empire.
Great poem, well deserved silver and then some. Thanks for this one, it inspires.
Garrison
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Thanks. I had fun writing this one.
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Congratulations on the recognition... wonderful memories shared!
Ken
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Delightful "Ham" Burger--all these years and I never caught that!!! Most entertaining comparison of the evening's activities for the ensemble. Yes, poor Paul Drake got the pneumonia inspiring assignments. I enjoyed this very much!
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Good grief - I caught it straight away. I think it was intentional on Gardner's part.
Did you know that William Tallman originaly auditioned for Perry Mason, and Raymond Burr for Burger? It was Gardner himself who insisted to the studios that they swap.
I am so glad you enjoyed this.
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I had no idea! It's a good thing I didn't aspire to a career in detection! Thanks for the fun info
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you might be one of the most originals i have read in a whileee...looking forward to more
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Well thanks for that assessment.
I am actually pretty dry lately. I'm committed to a couple of contest entries this week, and then I need to re-charge my creative batteries somehow. But feel free to have a retrospective look at some of my stuff. I write in all kinds of ways. I'll give you some reads in return too, when I get the chance. Keep reminding me.
You seem to like this one here. I'm glad.
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You are truly an amazing story teller. I'm not much for prose but this is captivating. Made me think of problems getting along with colleagues.
Love,
Amera
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I am glad you liked this one, Sis.
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What a wonderful "cast" memory you've penned about the brilliant Perry Mason and his unsung sidekick, Paul. Kudo's for bringing him back once more!
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Glad you enjoyed it.
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Love this! I know the Perry Mason novels were written by Erle Stanley Gardner, but your poem recalls (for me at least) the atmosphere and style of Raymond Chandler's seedy Los Angeles of the 40's. Great stuff.
Bill
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Well they belong to roughly the same era. Gardner started writing in the 1930s, and wrote prolifically through the 40s and 50s. He was an excellent liberal lawyer.
This poem tries to point out the frustrations of being a colleague or adversary of the great man. Paul Drake used to have to make do with flasks of coffee and wrapped sandwiches, whilst doing Perry's leg-work. Hamilton Burger and Lieutenant Tragg had grudging admiration for Perry, because at the end of the day when the defendant walked, the true guilty party would be revealed.
I am glad you enjoyed this.
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Correct the novels were set in California and full credit for not giving into the TV demands. I thoroughly enjoyed your write with Perry and Della too, really glad you didn't miss her out. Thank you for entering and good luck.
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Even now I am trying hard to remember what was the name of Perry's bookish junior partner. I don't think he was ever in the TV series.
I am glad I managed to squeeze in an entry.
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yes and Perry's cases had good law in them too, nice use of color here all the little incidents : subpoenas, affidavits,and such...California, yes I thought so too...very nice...PK
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Yes indeed, it's where Erle Stanley Gardner practiced law, and where he set his PM novels, and his "DA..." series too. He was a very prolific writer. I loved Raymond Burr's portrayal of Perry - I watched re-runs of the original black & white TV show, I'm sure.
Thanks for the visit, 'skid, and the praise.
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DAmn lol...then I wont tell you thats what I heard.
Great job here *unique one* loved it.
Best of luck to you in the contest.
Love
PAssions
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Hi Tory. Thank for dropping by the Law Offices of Perry Mason and Co.
I haven't felt much like writing lately, but I promised Jem an entry for this. Glad you liked it.
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