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On The Verge Of Another Catastrophe, But First...

She has a list
of men and women, former lovers,
former employers, former
friends and a couple of politicians
she wants to tell to go to hell,
but first, she says, digging through her bag,
she wants to get stoned.

Do you have papers? I don’t have papers.
What about a pipe?  Oh, Christ,
here’s that fifty dollar bill I accused Renee of taking -

she keeps digging, tossing her things
onto the sofa, stopping only to light a cigarette
and curse, which she does beautifully
in any situation,
and all I can do is sit back, wait and watch
the craziness unfold.

She finds the pot in tin foil,
and proceeds to tell me she just got fired for not wearing
underwear, but really, it was jealousy,
because God knows, her now ex-boss should be worried,
and suddenly, quite suddenly,
my friend
just
stops -

we sit there among tampons, compacts, gum wrappers,
wallet, checkbook, hairbrushes and bills,
until the static leaves the air
until the first frustrated tear falls down her cheek

and then,
I find some papers...



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1 - 65 of 65

  • Aussie Gypsy gold member
    November 28
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    Wowsers that was brilliant but then I never cease to be amazed by your skills for telling a story. I love it because I have a friend similar to this and it reminded me of her lol. Brilliant lady Lane


  • PerVirtuous
    November 26
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    Ah! The fifty dollar bill.. about 6 inches long, has a big head on it and women love it. Being scatterbrained is a bittersweet blessing. This was fun.


  • Peteskid gold member
    November 16

    Edit | Reply
    the story, the scene, the intricate details, the humor...the oddity of it all, come together to make these poems so very unique; a story one will ask to hear again...PK


  • gypsy camp
    November 7
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    damn, lane. so good


  • poetryality silver member
    November 2

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    First let me say, I did not take that “fifty”, glad you found it. Evidentially, you didn't miss the Benjamin! LOL

    I wonder why we carry purses, especially big ones. I can never find what I am looking for when I empty them out and yes... it is always the last thing I place my hand upon. I see this all come to light Lane. It topples my imagination and I can't wait until the "papers" are found. I have missed your musing and am glad I dropped by.


    Love & Respect Always ♥

    Renee


  • zappa gold member
    October 30

    Edit | Reply
    your thoughts are like electricity in my synapses. I've never known anyone in my days of living and dying, that could do this to me, Dalaney. I can relate with everything in this poem, except the tampons lol. Where does it all come from? what are you thinking right now or after you wrote this. Friendship is everything and nothing in an instant -until the first kiss and embrace that sparks the emotion all over again x10.


  • Carnivale
    October 28

    Edit | Reply
    It reads like a more poetic On The Road. I love it. :


  • charcoal
    October 28
    Edit | Reply
    i love it when you tell a story.


  • everyone1 gold member
    October 27

    Edit | Reply

    ~ James ~

    "onto the sofa, stopping "only" to light a cigarette"

    The ending is awesome... I mean awesome.


  • Thomas Scott gold member
    October 27

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    Beautifully sad.
    Heart of a story teller; voice of a poet.
    You are always a rich read, Lane.


  • Emmyb gold member
    October 26

    Edit | Reply
    Hi Lane.
    I like this one. Its got a feminine touch to it which i think is unmissable. An essence of the female spirit and some depth of personality within the words.
    Your personality shines through here and Im glad i've come across another gem to make me smile.

    Being a woman is difficult, you know that as do I. Im pleased that your friend has someone to turn to when things get rough

    Emma


  • Catie Sheeran gold member
    October 26

    Edit | Reply
    life sucks sometimes. and I love how you tell it. boy, she seems to be dealing with a lot and on the verge of a complete break down. I don't know why she didn't wear underwear to work...but I do not judge because I, myself, am running out of underwear...lol. just got to find the motivation to get out and buy some. I wouldn't want to lose my job too! lol!


  • bigperm
    October 26

    Edit | Reply

    and after a few pulls...it doesn't matter quite as much anymore

    Passionately expressed through laymen words and the god's honest truth. I think anyone can envision themselves in your poetry, relate it to their own experiences, and that's what makes it great.

     

    Hey just tell your boss that your panties come off all the time in your new ride...he'll understand. Love the festive avatar. lol


  • Sue Cardwell gold member
    October 25

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    God, Lane ... am I glad you found those papers

    Another slice of life as only you can tell us ... raw and real ... please don't stop.

    Love
    Sue


  • sinfull
    October 25

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    It's what's unsaid in the silence after the chaos stops that you say the most. I find this piece to be charming and skillfully written. I knew a girl like this once. She was real. Your character seems to breathe as well. good pen


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    October 25
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    Hm. Pretty good.


  • nordicsky silver member
    October 24
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    P.s I think you may be the wrong way round on your broom stick, unless of course you are flying backwards.


  • nordicsky silver member
    October 24

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    Some people would say, “she’s disorganised, scatty... a woman teetering on the edge.” They would point out how organised their own lives are and tell her to get a grip. You though, see beyond this and portray her frailty and her humanity.

    The characters in your poetry come alive for me. Occasionally I could hit them hard for their greed, stupidity, and cruelty but, more often than not I feel for them and could give them a big hug.

    Thanks for posting this,
    Love, Peter


  • forty-one
    October 24

    Edit | Reply
    Damn honey... as I was reading this beauty I started thinking of you taking all of this intense writing you've been doing here over the past year or so, and turning it into a book. I'm certain it would be amongst the best sellers!

    and proceeds to tell me she just got fired for not wearing
    underwear, but really, it was jealousy...

    you know that was my favorite part, right?

    Love ya!
    Troy

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 24
      Edit | Reply
      Troy... Thank you for your encouragement and your wonderful optimism


  • cricketjeff gold member
    October 24

    Edit | Reply
    Again you have taken a tiny slice of life, and written a blockbuster, such concentration of emotion, a definitive Lane.
    Pure, and perfect, poetry

    WONDERFUL


  • notorious gold member
    October 24

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    I'm bookmarking this because I love it more than I can possibly express


  • Nicolette gold member
    October 24

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    few can write the essence of life and the everyday like you do, Lane....and this poem showcases just that

    ~ Nicolette


  • ariazephyrzoe gold member
    October 24

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    effing brilliant!


  • csmmoms2
    October 24

    Edit | Reply
    Remember how you used to smoke those nasty sticks and seads just tryin' to get high. Or how you'd look for that little "radish" wrapped in plastic with a knot at the top, stashed away somewhere. It's not "dubble Knotted (remember it's my favorite).
    Now where in the fuck did I put those papers? Zigagiz? -c


  • kiwigirljacks gold member
    October 24

    Edit | Reply
    Awesome Lane, just awesome! Isn't it just like this with friends sometimes... they come in all in a tiss.. cursing the world and all in it, anger, frustration... and finally - quiet and tears.

    I love this, I really do! Bookmarking.

    Much love,
    Jacks


  • Amera gold member
    October 23

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    So you had the papers? You told me that you quit smoking everything! You brat!

    I love the poem but I must tell you that you had me scared in the middle of it. I thought you were going to roll the doobee with the 50 dollar bill.

    Love,
    me


    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23

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      i am half on half off the smoke wagon...and are you nuts? i would never burn money like that


  • Pure Thought silver member
    October 23

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    Well written... any man near by who is smart, just quietly slips away.

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      you must be the smartest man not in the room then


  • sweet arrival gold member
    October 23

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    this reminded me of my aunt and a bit of my best friend, too. you write so well that i believe anyone reading this can think of someone they know who can be described even a bit in this. my aunt had huge purses that almost looked like duffle bags and i swear would have whatever you asked for in that thing (ok, maybe not a live animal) but the actions of this poem remind me of my friend who when she struggles to make it through emotions, busies herself like she is rummaging through that purse until she realizes she just needs to let it out... and THAT is what friendship is... being there, waiting to listen. another wonder from your mind, your life, your pen.


  • Ellegirl silver member
    October 23

    Edit | Reply
    We just got back from the liquor store and are in the midst of bottles and wrappings of brandy, whisky, amaretto and some real good cigars..alas no 'demonweed' but think of us while youfire up.
    Good to see you writing again Lane and hope that this means your back amongst the living! Sorry about your friend's troubles but it's set the stage for a great narrative poem...much enjoyed!
    David and Elle

  • Rowan gold member
    October 23
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    You're a good friend.
    sighs. good work Laney

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      thanks, K...sometimes, I can be a very good friend


  • Erik Ambrose gold member
    October 23

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    It's all been said already, so -- Hi


  • Soulful Woman silver member
    October 23

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    What a real girlfriend sort of writing. It just reminded me of so many instances where this has happened, not necessarily looking for "paper" but being preoccupied with other things when your friend is crumbling.
    A very dynamic piece.
    Loved it.
    Soulful Woman

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      you got it...thank you for reading and for the applause


  • JinSays gold member
    October 23

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    tell her to buy a vaporizer. she cant take it with her, and it stays nice and hot.
    foil? really? that's interesting, I've never seen it wrapped in foil before.
    love to you,
    jin

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      foil...yep. remind me to tell you a story sometime


  • MJ Donnelly gold member
    October 23

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    Hope it was good shit, there's nothing worse than pretending that it is.

    Oops, did I say that?

    Thanks for the special human-interest snippet Lane.


  • Daizee silver member
    October 23

    Edit | Reply
    There is no greater bond than with the people you can cry with. This made me smile...


    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      you're right...maybe we should all share a few more tears together (smiling back at you )



  • arafura gold member
    October 23

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful poem! I love the way it builds... and that finish is world class. Brilliant!


    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      John, you always make me feel like I've done something spectacular....but thank you anyway


  • Sesheta
    October 23

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    The frantic pace of this poem has my heart pounding. It's beautiful and deep and oh-so-real. Like always


    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      Thank you for noticing the 'frantic' feel...i wanted to capture it, and i'm glad i did


  • Beautiful Sin-
    October 23

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    Beautiful.

    she keeps digging, tossing her things
    onto the sofa, stopping only to light a cigarette
    and curse, which she does beautifully
    in any situation,

    --That made me smile.
    The whole thing was amazing [but, yet again, you knew this]


  • LivingxXxProof
    October 23
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    Amazing. As always.

    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      thank you....I like knowing you are reading my stuff


  • John BoSox
    October 23

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    Great write, as usual..wonderfull imagery..How are you feeling?


  • Cup-a-Joe
    October 23
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    Am I on her list?


  • Matt E. Smith gold member
    October 23

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    lol this makes me laugh. I often wonder why women carry around suitcases as purses when it is damn near impossible for them to ever find anything in them

    enjoyed the read...you are great at writing the everyday and finding poetry in it.

  • Topnotchsy
    October 23
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    Powerful write as always.


    • Dalaney gold member
      October 23
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      and I thank you for always leaving me such kind comments and applause, my friend


  • Cannonsfire
    October 23

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    I so want to just say 'let's do lunch' C

1 - 65 of 65