THE BALLAD OF ISAAC MCKINNON

A loser and a boozer...

THE BALLAD OF ISAAC MCKINNON

 

In the winter freeze at Northern Maine

After Isaac McKinnon shuts down his crane

He gathers with unkempt men

To play poker and drink again

The bar is rich with smoke

And a plenty with townsfolk

 

Mr. McKinnon’s a loser

Nothin but a boozer

 

Isaac is usually a loser at games

As his crane partner claims

That night though, he could prove to win

His wife Polly sitting at the wooden bar drinking gin

She watches him play hard ball

She will curse if he loses and knock him broadside against the wall

 

Mr. McKinnon’s a loser

Nothin but a boozer

 

Isaac drinks and drinks

Until his body sinks

He loses poker once more

His wife launches into a roar

She bashes him on the head

And hurls him off to bed

 

Mr. Mckinnon’s a loser

Nothin but a boozer

 

 

When he awakens at dawn

He softly hums a little song

His Polly is asleep

He dares not mutter a peep

He sneaks out in the freeze

And to his surprise he loses his house keys

He exits the cabin and back to the bar

To find he has a bashed-up car

 

Mr. Mckinnon’s a loser

Nothin but a boozer

 

But in the early morn the bar is closed

So, he thinks it’s best to lay back and doze

When he opens his eyes

The sun seeks to rise

Time to set about work

Though his face discloses a weird smirk

Will he play another poker game?

Or return to operating his rusty crane?

 

Mr. Mckinnon’s a loser

Nothin but a boozer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

All of this is fictional...anyone want to create a tune?

Reviews

[Zoe Richardson]

Seems vaguely like a Decemberists song!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for reading, are the Decembrists a group? Not familiar…but I’ll look them up
Best
Betty

[Zoe Richardson]

Yes, they are. A bit unusual, but they tell good stories with their songs. This one reminds me of The Mariner's Revenge Song

[Betty Hermelee]

I’m flattered…thank you

[barleygirl]

I suggest you reach out to Robert Trakofler, as he has a network of friends who make music around poetry. This sounds like you've been channeling Dave Brown & his meandering storytelling style, which you know I love, since I'm constantly inspired by it myself. This is a fun poem to read & good luck getting something musical going on (((HUGS)))

[Betty Hermelee]

So much thanks for that idea, but I think I was half kidding my self when I thought of it…. Yore so sweet to think of it and I’m so appreciate of your review.
Thanks a million! Hugs
B.

[Betty Hermelee]

PS some of your limericks and other poetry styles could be put to music too, they’re so unique and funny😊

[barleygirl]

Thank you for being collaborative on my behalf but I'm typically not the collaborative type *wink! wink!*

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, a narrative with repetition running through it which works very well. What a loser is this boozer. A fun poem and very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank dear Chris for your always lovely spot on reviews! Truly
B.

[Chris Shaw]

My pleasure Betty. Always good to read you.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A wonderful tale told and relatable in many ways. Many sons and daughters may recognize this type of man in their fathers. I know I do, though mine was more on the surly mean streak drunkard type. It was a funny read that could easily be turned into a Spanish polka song haha. Thank you B for the humorous little poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Carlos for a review reflecting upon your own family, very personal and to the point, except for the Spanish Polka, but you never know!
Best
B.

[Fran Marie]

Haha this was a fun read about
McKinnon the boozing loser
seems gin drinkin' Polly wanted
more than a cracker in this one.
but he just kept drinkin' and a stinkin'
much enjoyed

Nice Work..

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Fran for a fun review. Always appreciated….don’t ask where I got the idea from!
Best
B.

[Fran Marie]

you re so very welcome (*_*)