The Ballad Of The Children Of The Czar
1
The children of the Czar
Played with a bouncing ball
In the May morning, in the Czar's garden,
Tossing it back and forth.
It fell among the flowerbeds
Or fled to the north gate.
A daylight moon hung up
In the Western sky, bald white.
Like Papa's face, said Sister,
Hurling the white ball forth.
2
While I ate a baked potato
Six thousand miles apart,
In Brooklyn, in 1916,
Aged two, irrational.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt
Was an Arrow Collar ad.
O Nicholas! Alas! Alas!
My grandfather coughed in your army,
Hid in a wine-stinking barrel,
For three days in Bucharest
Then left for America
To become a king himself.
3
I am my father's father,
You are your children's guilt.
In history's pity and terror
The child is Aeneas again;
Troy is in the nursery,
The rocking horse is on fire.
Child labor! The child must carry
His fathers on his back.
But seeing that so much is past
And that history has no ruth
For the individual,
Who drinks tea, who catches cold,
Let anger be general:
I hate an abstract thing.
4
Brother and sister bounced
The bounding, unbroken ball,
The shattering sun fell down
Like swords upon their play,
Moving eastward among the stars
Toward February and October.
But the Maywind brushed their cheeks
Like a mother watching sleep,
And if for a moment they fight
Over the bouncing ball
And sister pinches brother
And brother kicks her shins,
Well! The heart of man in known:
It is a cactus bloom.
5
The ground on which the ball bounces
Is another bouncing ball.
The wheeling, whirling world
Makes no will glad.
Spinning in its spotlight darkness,
It is too big for their hands.
A pitiless, purposeless Thing,
Arbitrary, and unspent,
Made for no play, for no children,
But chasing only itself.
The innocent are overtaken,
They are not innocent.
They are their father's fathers,
The past is inevitable.
6
Now, in another October
Of this tragic star,
I see my second year,
I eat my baked potato.
It is my buttered world,
But, poked by my unlearned hand,
It falls from the highchair down
And I begin to howl
And I see the ball roll under
The iron gate which is locked.
Sister is screaming, brother is howling,
The ball has evaded their will.
Even a bouncing ball
Is uncontrollable,
And is under the garden wall.
I am overtaken by terror
Thinking of my father's fathers,
And of my own will.
poem by Delmore Schwartz
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Keepin'-Th'Big-Ball Bouncin
Caught up in the nonsense.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
And waiting for some annoucement...
To stop that loud sound that pounds!
Caught up in the nonsense.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Yet hypnotized to the aspect,
Folks stay ready to pounce.
But no one moves to unload the packs,
Stacked on their backs.
Mounting are their burdens,
And some like it like that!
Caught up in the nonsense.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Bitten lips,
Bleeding blood.
Taking it.
With the moaning.
Sighing in their pain with pleas...
As if they seek someone to please.
And squeezing sweat from handkerchieves...
In fields they're proud to plow,
But gone!
Caught up in the nonsense.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
With a dragging of their feet...
To feed defeat on urban streets.
And reminiscing this so easy,
As if this beat succeeds.
And it does.
A nothingness achieved...
Like this does.
Caught up in the nonsense.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncing.
And...
A nothingness achieved,
Like this does.
Ahhhh...bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-b all bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Ahhhh...bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ba ll bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Ahhhh...bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ba ll bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Ahhhh...bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ba ll bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
Keepin'-th'big-ball bouncin'
And nothing gets achieved...
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Highly Ambitious Dot
the lowly dot
learns that ambition is a virtue
and so one day
it rolls itself upon itself
until it becomes a line
and then it runs and struggles
and chases and rises and stretches
and curls and winds itself upon itself
until it becomes a shape
until it learns the best shape to be in
a circle that feeds upon its own shape
until it become a sphere
a ball
a rubber ball until it becomes
a bouncing ball
bouncing and bouncing until it masters
the tricks of being the most
important circle
the earth
where you live.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Woman And Her Spring Child
spring has come
spring has come
she has blossomed in the trees
she has blossomed in the trees
the trees are leafing
the trees are leafing
slowly slowly
slightly slightly
everthing is greening
everything is greening
also grinning and grinning
flowers lflower in many colors
flowers flower in many colors
birds are singing gaily
birds are singing gaily
dogs are barking happy
dogs are barking happy
my mother in her grave
my mother in her grave
still waiting me come
still waiting to come
ı do not know where my father lie
ı do not know where my father lie
but the spring made me numb
but the spring made me numb
everybody is in the outdoors
everybody is in the outdoors
a woman is kicking a ball
a balll is kicked by a woman
she is really playing with her
one year old child boy
she is playing like a toy
a beautiful boy
with long hair
dark curly dark hair
trying to step into the spring
trying to step into the spring
the woman is kicking her troubles away
with the ball
the woman is really shooting her troubles
away with the ball
she is very fond of it
very very
kicks the ball again
kicks the ball again
the ball goes very far away
the balll goes very far away
nobody kicks the ball back to her
nobody kicks the ball back to her
the woman looks at her child
the woman looks at her child
nobody kicks the ball back to her
nobody kicks the ball back to her
cause everybody is not a poet
cause everybody is not a poet
the spring has come
the spring has come
blossoming in the trees
blossoming in the trees
but yet
nobody is ready to play
even a ball
the woman
never the less
with her spring child
tries to play
but nobody
kicks the ball back to her
and to the child
his first steps in the springhold
poem by Metin Sahin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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For Ball
At home
my dog and child
play the foot ball
Dog kick the ball
Clild also kick
Ball was...
Run to run...
Suddnley dog
Bite the ball
The ball was blast...
Chil was cry
Dog was wow...wow...!
poem by Otteri Selvakumar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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One Meat Ball
(l. singer-h.zaret)
The little man walked up and down
To find an eating place in town
He read the menu through and through
To see what fifteen cents could do
One meat ball, one meat ball
Well, he could afford but one meat ball
He told the waiter near at hand
A simple dinner he had planned
The guests were startled one and all to hear
That waiter loudly call
One meat ball, one meat ball
Well, this here gent wants one meat ball
Little man felt very bad
One meat ball was all he had
And in his dreams he hears that call
Ya gets no bread with one meat ball
One meat ball, one meat ball
Well, you get no bread with one meat ball
Well, he could afford but one meat ball
One meat ball, one meat ball
All he could afford was one meat ball
One meat ball
song performed by by Ry Cooder
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Analysis Of Baseball
It’s about
the ball,
the bat,
and the mitt.
Ball hits
bat, or it
hits mitt.
Bat doesn’t
hit ball, bat
meets it.
Ball bounces
off bat, flies
air, or thuds
ground (dud)
or it
fits mitt.
Bat waits
for ball
to mate.
Ball hates
to take bat’s
bait. Ball
flirts, bat’s
late, don’t
keep the date.
Ball goes in
(thwack) to mitt,
and goes out
(thwack) back
to mitt.
Ball fits
mitt, but
not all
the time.
Sometimes
ball gets hit
(pow) when bat
meets it,
and sails
to a place
where mitt
has to quit
in disgrace.
That’s about
the bases
loaded,
about 40,000
fans exploded.
It’s about
the ball,
the bat,
the mitt,
the bases
and the fans.
It’s done
on a diamond,
and for fun.
It’s about
home, and it’s
about run.
poem by May Swenson
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Her Name Was Snow (childrens story)
)
There is a story that not many children know
Of a young girl - her name was snow.
She would come down - you know not when
But she would become every child s friend.
Children would say that she was
“ as white- as white can be”.
And the suns reflections would dazzle me.
She could make herself “ a blanket on the ground”
Where children could roll and jump on her
And she would not make a sound.
Snow would only come in the winter months.
So that with her the children could play
She was very cold, but they loved her that way.
You could mold her like you would
A piece of clay, and that is the way
That she would stay.
You could make her as an igloo or
A very high wall, or roll her up and
Make her a ball.
There was so many things that you
Could make her to be.
but the thing that she wanted to be the most
Was a white sparkling ghost.
Where she could come when she liked
And the children could have a “snow” ball fight.
So children! When you don’t see snow
coming your way, then wish for her on Christmas day.
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Her Name Was Snow (children s story)
There is a story that not many children know
Of a young girl - her name was snow.
She would come down - you know not when
But she would become every child s friend.
Children would say that she was
“ as white- as white can be”.
And the suns reflections would dazzle me.
She could make herself “ a blanket on the ground”
Where children could roll and jump on her
And she would not make a sound.
Snow would only come in the winter months.
So that with her the children could play
She was very cold, but they loved her that way.
You could mold her like you would
A piece of clay, and that is the way
That she would stay.
You could make her as an igloo or
A very high wall, or roll her up and
Make her a ball.
There was so many things that you
Could make her to be.
but the thing that she wanted to be the most
Was a white sparkling ghost.
Where she could come when she liked
And the children could have a “snow” ball fight.
So children! When you don’t see snow
coming your way, then wish for her on Christmas day.
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bounce Bounce!
Waves calling and laughing
Waves ebb and flow
Waves rolling splashing
sandy remnants on the beach.
Bounce Bounce and bouncing
Bounce beats infectious
Bounce arms up and about
Its a dance re-energized
Ball on wall bouncing
Ball hits so hard on wall
Ball bounce taken with ease
Its to hearts sweet infection
Bounce bounce on waves
Bounce Bounce dance re-energized
Bounce like a ball on a wall
As hearts that yearn life is GOLD!
poem by Charles Jagongo Ogola
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A boy cannot begin playing ball too early. I might almost say that while he is still creeping on all fours he should have a bouncing rubber ball.
quote by Christy Mathewson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Strange But True 3 - Ball Of Light
Through my life, I have been plagued
with things I can’t explain.
One night while I was living in Canada,
my parents, my sister and I were walking home,
after going to see a film at a local cinema.
We stopped for a moment to cross a road,
when out of the heavens a ball of light fell,
no larger than a baseball
and disappeared behind a garden wall.
At first we thought it to be a shooting star,
and was about to make a wish,
when the ball of light again appeared.
It now streaked upwards and disappeared
into the night sky among the stars.
Now, I’ve seen plenty of shooting stars,
when they fall they stay put.
Whatever this ball of light was,
it only stayed for a few moments,
before it rose and flew away.
Sometimes as I look at the stars,
and I wonder where the ball of light went.
I had never seen its likes before,
nor have I seen it since.
Just another little mystery
to enter into the scrapbook of my life.
poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Do You Know?
A blue ball bouncing merrily
arrives upon a motorway.
A recipe for tragedy
when children carelessly at play.
Follow the ball on flying feet
then with an accident they meet.
The distraught driver’s not to blame
but he feels guilty just the same.
Do you know where your children play?
Do you know where they are today?
It’s your responsibility
to supervise them properly.
I must confess that I did not
now memories are all I’ve got.
20-Feb-08
poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Greatest
Little boy, in a baseball hat stands in the field with his ball and bat.
Says, "I am the greatest player of them all" puts his bat on his shoulder and he tosses up his ball.
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down swings his bat all the way around
The world so still you can hear the sound, the baseball falls to the ground.
Now the little boy doesn't say a word, picks up his ball, he is undeterred.
Says, "I am the greatest there has ever been" and he grits his teeth and he tries it again.
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down swings his bat all the way around
The world so still you can hear the sound, the baseball falls to the ground.
He makes no excuses, he shows no fear, he just closes his eyes and listens to the cheers.
Little boy, he adjusts his hat, picks up his ball, stares at his bat
Says,"I am the greatest, the game is on the line" and he gives his all one last time.
And the ball goes up and the moon so bright, swings his bat with all his might
The world's as still, as still can be, the baseball falls and that's strike three.
Now it's suppertime and his momma calls, little boy starts home with his bat and ball.
Says, "I am the greatest, that is a fact, but even I didn't know I could pitch like that!"
Says, "I am the greatest,that is understood, but even I didn't know I could pitch that good!
song performed by by Kenny Rogers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Hitler Had One Ball
Cinderella was kept from the ball.
Those in a slump can't hit it.
A New Year comes with the
fall of the ball.
Hitler had one ball
Gore Vidal's father three
Most men don't want
ballectomies.
poem by O. Anna Niemus
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Freakin’ At The Freaker’s Ball
Come on, baby, grease your lips,
Put on your hat, and shake your hips.
And don’t forget to bring your ships.
We’re goin’ to the Freakers Ball.
Shake your mojo, bang your gong,
Roll up somethin’ to take along.
Feels so good that it must be wrong
Freakin’ at the Freakers Ball.
All the fags and dykes, they’re boogyin’ together
Leather freaks all dressed in leather.
The greatest of the sadists and the masochists, too,
Screamin’ 'You hit me' and 'I’ll hit you'.
F.B.I. dancin’ with the junkies.
All the straights swingin’ with the funkies
’Cross the floor and up the wall.
Freakin’ at the Freakers Ball.
Hard hats and long hairs lovin’ each other.
Brother with sister, son with mother.
Smear my body up with butter.
Take me to the Freakers Ball.
So pass that roach, pour the wine.
I’ll kiss yours and you’ll kiss mine.
I’m gonna boogie til I go blind.
Freakin’ at the Freakers Ball.
poem by Sheldon Allan Silverstein
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Rednecks unite!
My father is my brother
My sister, with three ears,
Is his significant other.
My sister is my mother
And somehow, also my brother
My father's father am I
The vile thought makes me shudder.
Grandma was a mule,
Grandfather's sperm, she used as fuel
A french aristrocrat,
Made love to my mother, for he prefered his women fat
A letter written for my eyes
Containing news of demine
Said my true mother was some other
And my father, not her brother.
Jubilant and joyous,
My wife is what used to by my sister.. Or brother?
poem by Thy Mother
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ball & Chain
I've been on this roller coaster just too many times
And always it seems like
The blind keep on leading the blind
Tried to get them on the 'phone
Tried to find my way back home
Tned and failed, and tried and failed, again
But baby i don't want you 'cos you look so good
I don't want you 'cos i know i should
I don't want you to come in f rom the rain
I want you to be my ball and chain
I want you to be my ball and chain
Ah just lately i've been roaming from town to town
I've been setting them up, setting them up
And i've been knocking them down
I was born to live, it seems, a fugitive dream
Make things always better than they seem
And i stop and start, and stop and start
And stop and start again
Baby i don't want you for your money
I don't want you 'cos i love you honey
I don't want you to ease this memory pain
No, i want you to be my ball and chain
Yes, i want you to be my, be my ball and chain
When i see you in the garden once again
Baby you'll be standing in the summer rain
Laugh and cry and say what it's all about
You can even jump and shout
And you'll smile and say how are you again
I don't want you 'cos i'm so blue
I don't want you 'cos you know what to do
I don't want you because all my love seems in vain
I want you to be my ball and chain
I want you to be my ball and chain
I want you to be my ball and chain
I want you to be my ball and chain
Oh, be my ball and chain
Be my ball and chain, be my ball and chain
Oh, be my ball and chain
I want you.....ball and chain, etc.
song performed by by Van Morrison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Them Heavy People
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me.
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me.
They arrived at an inconvenient time.
I was hiding in a room in my mind.
They made me look at myself. I saw it well.
Id shut the people out of my life.
So now I take the opportunities:
Wonderful teachers ready to teach me.
I must work on my mind. for now I realise:
Everyone of us has a heaven inside.
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot.
Them heavy people help me.
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot.
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me.
They open doorways that I thought were shut for good.
They read me gurdjieff and jesu.
They build up my body, break me emotionally.
Its nearly killing me, but what a lovely feeling!
I love the whirling of the dervishes.
I love the beauty of rare innocence.
You dont need no crystal ball,
Dont fall for a magic wand.
We humans got it all, we perform the miracles.
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot.
Them heavy people help me.
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot.
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me.
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me.
Rolling the ball, rolling the ball...
song performed by by Kate Bush
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Wrecking Ball
My lifes an open book
You read it on the radio
We got nowhere to hide
We got nowhere to go
But if you still decide
That you want to take a ride
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight.
I see your smoky eyes
Right across the bar
Ive seen that look before
Shining from star to star
Though I cant take that chance
If you got time for one dance
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight.
The restless line of cars
Goes stretchin down the road
But I wont telephone
cause you might say hello
What is it makes me feel this way?
What is it makes me want to say
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight
Meet me at the wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
Wear something pretty and white
And well go dancin tonight.
song performed by by Neil Young
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Kick Off Ball
Kick off ball,
Kick the ball to win the game!
But, with fair play.
Player,
Lyricist,
Arranger,
Keeper,
Composer,
Winner! !
But it was only yesterday that i found you;
And like the game ball in the land of your muse.
Face to face,
Again and again!
But pay and take it;
And, play the match to win the game! !
Play the ball,
Kick the ball,
And like the African Cup of Nations!
Race, ace, face, brace, mace, place, lace;
But words are things upon a thought,
And like something long lost! !
However, play the ball into the net to win the game.
poem by Edward Kofi Louis
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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