current tavern number is 21

Subject: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 10:36 AM

The last numbered tavern was #18. There have been three since then, not counting the "trading post and tavern" but counting the latest. Hence, excluding the trading post, the current tavern number is 21.

T.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 10:45 AM

link to previous Tavern Hic!

Subject: Lyr Add: SILENCE AND FOG
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 11:59 AM

jaysus, this place is lookin' rundown and neglected....everyone must be off doing song challenges and tasting desserts. I'll just polish up the caffiene machine, dust off the bar, and *phew! empty the jello pit.

Very foggy this morning - drove for almost 45 minutes through fog before it finally burned off. Don't think I've sung this one around here before....

SILENCE AND FOG

Silence and fog, grey fog, grey fog
Silence and fog surround me
Nothing do I see, there's no one beside me
Just silence and fog, grey fog, grey fog
Silence and Darkness within me

Where is the light? Where is the Life?
Won't you light a candle for me?
A beacon in the night, Shining so bright
To drive away the darkness in me.

Darkness and fog, grey fog, grey fog
Silence and darkness within me

Where is the sun? I know the day's begun!
Won't you sing a song to cheer me?
Notes floating through the air, for all the world to hear
To open up this silence in me

Silence and fog, grey fog, grey fog
Darkness and silence within me

I'll give you my heart, and vow we'll never part
Now that I know how I need thee
YOur brightness and song, will dwell where they belong
Beside my love, within me

Brightness and song, your song, our song
Brightness and song, within me
Your brightness and song, renew me

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 12:08 PM

(The doors slams open and a tall stranger in long cape and black slouch hat, carrying a D-28 in one hand and a Smith and Wesson in the other, walks into the Tavern).

(He puts the gun in his pocket,so everyone will know he's glad to see them, because he cares what they think about him very, very much) Gimme a double Guiness, but put it in a coffee-mug.
(Bartender looks up: "Is that fok**ing noon out thar agin??")

Damn, MM, good to see ya, and a good tune well sung. Fine timbre you got.

If that MEEE-bo comes in here tell him to grow his hair long! Then he'll get lassies. (Drinks) Boy, I needed that. Damn whiners all over the threads! Sheesh! Here's to that fine schoolmarm that makes all the boys write pomes. Sure does bring it out in fine style. Give us another tune, MM, an' I'll back ye up.(Drinks).

Subject: Lyr Add: MARILEE
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:00 PM

They've been talkin' 'bout St. Valentine's. I'm with Mbo on that, it just depresses me....

Which gives me and excuse for a sad love song...

Marilee

I met her first in springtime
and she was more then fair
The flowers that bloom in springtime
with her could not compare
Her lips were rich as honey
Her kisses sweet as wine
No sky so blue in springtime
As the blue that was her eyes

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

Her hair was golden as the grain
Her skin as white as milk
Her gentle touch, upon my cheek,
As soft as rarest silk
Her ev'ry word a jewel, her voice an angel song
And so in love, we wandered
For all that summer long

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

At harvest time before the priest
we two were made as one
And with our friends we feasted
Until the rising sun
Her smile brought forth the sunshine
Her laugh the welkin rung
Before that night had ended
Our family was begun

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

The winter days are short and cold
But our nights were long and warm
and in the circle of my arms
I sheltered her from harm
For two score year I loved her well
and loved her more each day
But alas, there came a springtime
When my love she went away

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
For she's passed through Death's wide open door.

I saw her last in springtime
And she was still most fair
But the flowers that bloomed that springtime
We scattered o'er her bier (spelling?)
Our children and their children too
Were with me on that day
And the heavens wept, along with us
As we sent my love away

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
For she's passed through Death's wide open door.
Now she sleeps, safe and sound
Six feet under the ground
'Til the day we're together, once more

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:14 PM

O. sweet Jaysus. Mario, ya got me weepin so, I messed up the tchords. A fair song, a sweet tune, and a lovely voice. Another pint of Iron Brew for this fair hulk!

(Strums)

Drink to me only
With thine eyes
And I will pledge with mine
Or leave but a kiss
Within the cup
And I'll not ask for wine

The thirst that from the soul doth spring
Doth ask a drink divine
But might I of Job's nectar sip
I would not change for thine.

That's for all my lovely virtual valentines -- you know who you are -- you sweet and tender critters, whom I love more'n words may tell.

Dang, what is in this poteen?

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:29 PM

dunno there Amos, but it's eating a hole right through your mug,... and the carpet..., and the floorboards.....

OHMYGAHD! Get the flamingos aWAY from that stuff!

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:34 PM

Lord, lord -- one flamingo, two, up in pink smoke! I have never seen the like! Hey, let's put a bowl of it out fer the possums. :>)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:40 PM

Cleigh doesn't produce enough fumes on his own?

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:44 PM

Might clean him out some...

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Midchuck
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 01:57 PM

"(The doors slams open and a tall stranger in long cape and black slouch hat, carrying a D-28 in one hand and a Smith and Wesson in the other, walks into the Tavern)."

The doors slam open again and a short, squat stranger in blue jeans and a yard-sale Pendleton shirt, carrying a D-18VMS (strung with GHS True Mediums) and 1960s-vintage Smith and Wesson "Highway Patrolman" with 4-inch barrel, grumbles:

"Which Smith and Wesson? If you're going to specify model numbers, give them both! And a double Guiness should be a quart! Does this place have quart coffee mugs? And waddya mean, there isn't any Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter? Are we that far from #&^(*# Vermont?"

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Neil Lowe
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 02:05 PM

Damn...but isn't that Charles Bukowski that just walked in, making a beeline for the table in the corner with his brown bagg'd bottle of MD 20/20 and making that bold fashion statement with the duct tape shoes and the St. Vincent de Paul label? Didn't he literally invent the term, "going postal?"

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 02:15 PM

Dang purists....sic 'em, Cleigh!! Welcome, gents. Glad to see yer glad to be here. Midchuck, you got a good tune in that box, with all the verse keeeRECKLy specifed?

(Raises his two-quart coffee mug, as big as his head, with "MUDCAT!" boldly emblazoned thereon in bright green letters, in their direction)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 03:31 PM

Outside in the night, a full moon casts a passionate pearl glow over the land and the highway, curving in to the distance, appears to beckon the traveler to newer, kinder adventures. Down the far road a huge stretch limo appears with several cases of Moon Pies and RC cola lodged in the front seat next to the chauffeur. The limo is covered in mink fur from volunteer minks, who have been bewitched by TGG, the passenger of the limo. What is happening inside cannot be guessed, for the windows are darkened for privacy as the limo slowly and graciously consumes the miles between itand the Mudcat Tavern (Branch 21).

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 04:07 PM

D*mn, but that's gonna be one fat limo by the time it gets here.....Never seen a vehicle eat the road like that. It's literally chewing up the pavement and....well, depositing it behind. Not very speedy though.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Áine
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:18 PM

The squirming (and somewhat sticky) huge limo pulls up into the parking lot of the Mudcat Tavern Branch 21. Immediately, the volunteer minks jump off the vehicle and begin chasing the oddly shaped and somewhat shiny possum who's been sitting quietly on the porch.

The limo door opens, and out steps a beautiful red-haired Goddess dressed in a green toga and matching stretch jeans. Throwing an empty RC Cola can into the limo and wiping the Moon Pie crumbs off her face, she grasps her bodhrán and tipper, and moves toward the door of the Tavern (being careful to avoid stepping in the mink offal).

Smelling of musk (of course), she sweeps past the stunned (but worshipful) poets standing at the door and bellies up to the bar. After acquiring a hot whiskey and pint of Guinness for a chaser, she settles on a comfy súgán chair beside the fireplace and begins to play on her bodhrán.

The stunned, but worshipful, poets begin to move with the beating of her drum, first slowly, then faster and faster, until they are gyrating wildly around the Tavern. With smiles of rapture they dance about, to the great amusement of the other patrons.

As quickly as the strange rhythm began, it stops, and the Goddess downs her pint and wipes the brown foam from her lips. With a knowing smile and a gleam in her eye, she bestows a sweet kiss each to her enamoured poets. Then, picking up her bodhrán and tipper, she strides to the door and then out into the starry night, giving a shrill whistle to her voluntary minks who have had great sport with the possum.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:23 PM

oh geez, I hope Dido wasn't out there with them mink. she never could resist the fella's when they have long soft silky hair.....

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:34 PM

LMFAO! Oh that minky patchouli!! Ya'd'a almost thought them was muskrats. ANd those stretch jeans. Wotta goddess. Nicely don TGG!

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:37 PM

Grrr; my last dance 2 weeks ago did in my right knee -- that and too many horsey rides to my favorite 5 year old the next day -- oh, and a little shelf rearranging at work -- anyway I have been stuffing my feelings and my face instead of checking in for a virtual dance -- let me join the circle, poets. And a double Hennessey from the bar, please ...

MA

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:40 PM

The tall dark-eyed stranger grabs his D-28 and slaps it into a well-worn traveling case, pulls out the S&W, firing a couple of shots into the overhead of the smokey tavern, causing a strangely colored fluttering of feathers downward from the rafter. Barging through the startled crowd, he leaps onto a 900 cc Harley with a solid chrome engine and a long-throw fork, firing it up with a swift step; its low, watery rumble fills the night air. A twist of his wrist sends the hog hutling down the road toward the disappearing sternlights of the mysterious Goddess' stretch limousine. "I mayyyy not be baaaack!" he is heard to call over his shoulder, disappearing in a cloud of gravel and dust, his slouch hat flapping and his cape streaming back in the wind...

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Áine
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 05:53 PM

"Shall I stop, Madam?," says the chauffeur of the mink-covered limo in a beautiful melodious British accent.

"No, I don't think so," replies the Goddess, lovingly stroking the saggy butted tortoise in her lap who gazes at her with adoring eyes. "Now, if he was riding a silver Indian reconstructed with authentic parts, I might reconsider."

Subject: Lyr Add: VALENTINE (Toby Keith)
From: Mbo
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 06:26 PM

Ah, my better-off friends, here's a good song for those who feel the same as I. I've been trading in my love songs for sad ones lately.

I bought a card down at the drugstore
It said "I'm thinking of you"
I put some flowers on the table
But I know you won't be home
These are some of the little things
That I do cause I still love you
And today might be the hardest day I've had
Since you've been gone

Valentine
Girl do you still think about me?
I still wake up at night, calling out your name
And the roses are there
Paper hearts are everywhere
But the 14th of February will never be the same

Where did we go wrong, Val?
I thought we had it made
Was it just my wishful thinking?
Is it supposed to be this way?
Oh, but I still feel the magic
That comes this time of year
When everybody's got a sweetheart
And I'm wishing that you were here

Valentine
Girl do you still think about me?
I still wake up at night, calling out your name
And the roses are there
Paper hearts are everywhere
But the 14th of February will never be the same

The roses are there
Paper hearts are everywhere
But the 14th of February will never be the same
Valentine
Valentine
Oh my Valentine


**sigh** It's just not the same here....

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 07:58 PM

Over the rise of a hill, the giant Harley lifted off, covering hundreds of yards airborne and landing perfectly balanced at immensely illegal speeds directly alongside the 30 foot land yacht with the mysterious Goddess within.

The strange rider struggled, keeping a risky position along the yellow line, balancing against the turbulence caused by the gigantic limo, and gesturing and yelling toward the passenger window, using one hand to wave a small piece of yellowed parchment. "Neeeeewwwww soooong for ya!" he howled aginst hope, into the buffeting airflow. And Goddesses and lipreaders being what they are, the window on the side of the sleek mink-covered limo rolled down.

The cape flapped, the dark eyes flashed, as he stretched out one hand with the papyrus in it, balancing the hurtling machine with the other. Grim determination and hopeless commitment came over his face, and with a single swift gesture as her pale arm reached from the obscure depths through the open window, he leapt in a single death-defying graceful instant to the pegs, to the saddle, and threw himself across the distance, diving through the open window as the Harley hog hurled itself to port and screamed into sculpture against the base of a towering and ancient oak.

The window rolled up and the great car hurtled on into the night, strains of "Hail Britannia" seeping from its front compartment...under the waxing, pearllescent moon...the smokey strains of the Mudcat Tavern fading behind it.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Áine
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 08:17 PM

The tattered papyrus in hand, the eyes of the Goddess began to glow as she read the script thereon.

The chauffeur rolled the privacy window down and asked, "Are you alright, Madam?"

As the saggy butted tortoise picked up the tipper and began to play the goatskin drum, she replied, "Drive on, Bert." And the tortoise played on.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 08:31 PM

(I left out the salient and essential fact that he had his Martin case under his arm when he made his death defying dive straight across the proximate laps of the Divine Gaelic Goddess and the sedentary, but rhythmic (if glaring) tortoise, Saggy-butt yclept. ) The songster rapidly straightened himself, swept off his slouch hat with a little bow, and settled in on the forward sta'b'd jumpseat.

"Well," he asked, "do you like it?" :>))

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Troll
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 09:21 PM

I dunno about somebody that'd sacrifice a Harley that way. She'd have to be SOME goddess thats all I can say.

troll

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 09:34 PM

oh-oh. that sounded faintly non-believing. Is that a bodrhan I hear or thunder? (just joking of course...but excuse me while I make sure the lightning rods are working properly)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Troll
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 09:45 PM

MM I believe. Don't get me wrong. It's just that...well, Goddess or Harley? I'd really have to think about that one hard. Tough choice if you know what I mean.

troll

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 09:50 PM

The way I figure it is, a goddess can replace the harley....

virtual reality is SO nice...

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Troll
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 09:52 PM

Nothin can replace a Harley.( except a '47 Indian)

Who needs reality when they can have prozac?

troll

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Mbo
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:02 PM

I think our own Áine the Irish Love Goddess, keeper of Mudcat's equivalent to the Book of Kells, is worth more than any machine ever invented--even a computer!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:05 PM

A fine evening for a pint. Got any Catamount Amber? Any Long Trail Ale? Any Tunbridge brew? God, onlly Vermont brew you have is that dratted Magic Hat stuff!! That's dessert, not beer. Ah well. I guess I'll just pull out my fiddle and do something to liven this place up a bit. How about the Tipsy Gager? I'm just learning that one, and it's a good perpetual motion tune. It's amazing that the fingers still work after their encounters with hot fat, bleach and knives this week. Must be about time for a vacation.

Say, who was that guy on the big bike. wonder if he knows there's a possum ridin' shotgun? And what's with all of the mink droppings in the front yard?

Oh well, I'll have a Pete's Wicked Ale and play my tune.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Mbo
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:09 PM

No, no happy stuff....do you know "The Celtic Lament"?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Troll
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:12 PM

I have offended the Goddess. My life is over. I shall lie in an unmarked grave and my spirit will wander the earth. Or maybe I'll just have a cup of hot chocolate and go to bed. I'm working a medieval faire fri. sat.& sun. and it's gonna be a long one. Tomorrow is kids day. 6,000 plus of the little...Darlings. Goodnight to all.

troll

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Áine
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:19 PM

As the strains of wonderful fiddlin' fill the Tavern, the sad-faced young poet looks up to see the mink-covered limo return up the drive and pull to a stop. The door opens and the Harley Man climbs out, grasping his D-28 and shaking his head. The eerie glow of a television screen bathes the face of the saggy butted tortoise sitting in the back seat. The door of the limo slams suddenly.

"You back already?," asks the sad young poet.

"Yeah," replies the Harley Man.

"What happened?," inquires the sad young poet.

"Dunno," says the Harley Man. "I said something about Anaheim and she went crazy . . . started screaming something about "What do you mean it wasn't slashing? Did you see Hull's nose? Why, if I'd had my magic hockey puck, Nielsen would be so much Duck poop right now! Myself, didn't you see the blood on the ice?"

"Goddesses," answers the sad young poet.

"Yeah, I know what you mean," agrees the Harley Man. "Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!"

The mink-covered limo pulls out of the Tavern's drive, and the voice of the Goddess is heard faintly chanting, "Go Stars . . . Go Stars . . . Go Stars . . . Eddie, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie . . .

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:22 PM

Oh All Right, If I HAVE to. Here's the one I sat and played on Tuesday night when I was furious at my husband and I didn't think my ride to the session was going to show up. (an evil combination, I assure you.) The ride did show up, that's where I learned the Drunken Gager and other terriffic tunes. Sure you don't want to hear Staton Island Hornpipe or Fishers, or somethin' lively? Oh well. I do a mean version of Lorena, or All Things are Quite Quiet, or maybe some Leonard Cohen? MMario, could you make up something for Mbo, say with chocolate and good french roast or somethin?

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Mbo
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:26 PM

The sad young poet returns "Ahhh...the Flyers & the Legion of Doom will whip all your sorry..."
But then "The Celtic Lament" starts on unaccompanied fiddle--and he stops to take it all in.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:34 PM

"On the other hand,", the gallant and not sad troubadour replied, brightening, "I did get a 1947 Indian to replace that Harley!". The young poet nods somewhat distractedly, bewitched in his own turn by the flying fiddle. A number of the Goddess' favored singers and players have gathered ad the door, shaling their heads in wonder and awe at the magical sight of a 1947 Indian, fully chromed and shining like moonlight itself in the dark evening outside, giving the faint magical greenish glow tothe world that is known to be the trademark of the Magic of the Gaelic Goddess. The troub prsses the ignition key to his lips in reverence, and bellies up to bar, asking in kindly tones for another Guinness with some royal coffee on the side. Sometimes, ya just have to know what's the right thing to do. If anyone ever woulda told me I'd kick off a Harley for the chance to ride in a mink covered limousine -- and been glad I did it! -- I'da tole them to go straight to h##L or London, whichever came first...wotta Goddess. (He stands awed, sipping his beer).

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:35 PM

After the last drawn out note, the fiddler lowers her battered old instrument and sighs. Then, shaking herself, she says, what is about these warm climate hockey teams that I can't take seriously? Hockey in Texas and California?? I know the Bruins suck wind, but at least it's cold in Boston and there's real ice on things. Oh well, how about a nice Planxty to soothe the soul. I'll leave hockey to the folks who actually can see the puck.

Subject: Lyr Add: SALTY DOG SINGS TO THE GODDESS
From: Amos
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 10:47 PM

The troubadour is still bemused. Several of the bike-admirers come up, demanding to know what he said to her in that mystical mink-clad limo. "I sang to her", he replies, amazed. He stands and again withdraws the Martin from its case and strikes a minor modal chord, a plaintiff riff that conjures up the night wind on the northern sea, and sings in slow, light tones:

Salty Dog Sings to the Goddess
 
 

I dreamed my cold eyes met within the sea
A wave, and smashing waves, and then cold night
And buffeted, the torment told my brain,
"Unmoor the mind  to waking light,
And once more see".

I woke, and light within my eyes
Revealed the sea, and I, and mind, were mine
Arts of design and sensitive intent
Created on a moment's pulse
And spirit's bent.

Minds dreaming godhood up are all pretense;
But Goddesses who touch our minds are commonsense.
Containing seas, and eyes, in tissues of delight
Colouring dawn, but scented in the night.
 

He packs up the axe, wiping a tear of his own and smiling at the lasses, bottoms up his drink, slaps the sad poet on the back and whispers to him, "Grow long your hair, and they will come!" and passes through the door into the dim moonlit night. The sound of an Indian's deep throated roar is heard burbling and echoing outside the tavern, and fading slowly down the long highway toward the moon.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 01:02 AM

The crackle and spat of an old rusty Triumph echoes off of the buildings on Tiple Street, and in front of the Mudcat Tavern, the dusty wizened rider brings it to a halt, kickstand down, he breaks the dirt-seal of the cracked leather goggles and shoves them up to his forehead."I've been here before,"he mumbles and smiles to himself. Passers-by avoid making eye-contact with the rider, for his eyes are too wide, his smile a bit gleeful for stranger comfort. His clothing is a motley assortment of colors and patterns, and on the back of the battered brown leather jacket is stencilled God's Own Fool. A man in a suit, carrying a mandolin case, stands near... consciously ignoring the Fool. "watch my bike, will you friend," smiles the Fool to the unheeding bystander. Befrore entering the Tavern, the Fool slaps his outfit randomly, producing an awesome cloud of the dust of several time zones, decades,past lovers... and then heaving the handle of the bar, he leaves this atmosphere hovering like a disappearing memory on the street.

"I'll have the usual," he tells the amused bartender," but this time without the ice."

"And that would be...?"

"Frigid pieces of solid water. People like it who drink for comfort, but I have decided to drink for truth." And so the bartender serves him a tumbler of whiskey, as the Fool tosses his dirty gloves onto the bar, and downs the liquor in one gulp."Nice try," he says and wipes his lips on the bandanna wound round his neck, smiling."Now bring out the good stuff. The real stuff. I want to see Heaven reflecting on the brim, and angels wading in the dregs. I would like nothing less than a jarful of the Summer of Love, a 1967 vintage. I want to hear Quicksilver humming like a tuning fork when the heat hits my veins, Ginsburg ranting about the naked night, Ochs grappling with a rhyme,the Pentagon levitating,Gaia's pulse palpitating, the seasons turning and tumbling around me like a rolling wave, while I break free at the roaring edge. I want to take it all in... and then I want to transcend it."

The bartender keeps a respectful distance from the Holy Fool as he pushes another whiskey toward him.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 06:22 AM

At last it's POETS day today. Piss Off Early Tomorrow's Saturday. Gimme a large one to be going on with.
RtS

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Troll
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 07:13 AM

A blear-eyed figure stumbles through the door, hair atangle and beard abristle. " Oh Gods" he mutters," morning already. Coffee mine host, black as night,that goes down like molten lead and feels like a saw draggin across yer tongue, I gotta wake up. Fiddler! A wake-up tune like Whisky Before Breakfast or The Laird of Drum Blair. Nothin slow or I'll go back to sleep standin here."

troll

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 08:45 AM

The Skiffler travels to the bar on his trusty Timberland boots, parks them on the bar-rail and sips his brandy, breaking into "Hesitation Blues". He stops after a couple of verses, sensing that the full 11-minute Rev Gary Davis version might try the tolerance of the other patrons too far. A voluptous temptress sashays up to him.
"Hey, you remind me of Eric Clapton" she says
"Really?" he says, preening.
"Yes" she replies "he wears boots like those"and sashays away.
:0)}
RtS

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 08:50 AM

The bartender pours the Fool a single malt, that sings to the glass and answers only to sunlight, the golden promise of divine messages directly delivered. "It's on the house, mate. Mad poets with sweet music rolling out of their mouths, truth laid out as daintily as dewdrops, that's a treat for us. Carry on."

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:41 AM

Hey, what do I have to do to get someone to play "Sitting In The Stern Of A Boat" for me?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:53 AM

Well, lad, ye could whip out that trusty Epiphone and knock back the verses yer own self -- it might pull you outta yer despond!

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:05 AM

Well first off, it's a Yamaha Eterna, "Sitting in The Stern Of A Boat" is a slow air--no verses, and it's not SUPPOSED to make me feel better. BTW I don't like John Bunyan.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:08 AM

Well, you have the advantage of me there. But don't be letting this gloom infect ye so, lad. It is not that the world has closed! Last I looked, it was still open for business.

HOWDY, MBO!!! SMIILE FER ME, POSSUM BREATH!

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:15 AM

Amos, our Anti-Valentine's Day sing-a-long on Hearme is on Sunday night! I don't want to lose my sour attitude and spoil everything. I got lots of sad sad songs to sing. I've got to stay conditioned.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:21 AM

Well suit yerself, you dedicated glumdrop,

I understand you need to relish your heartbreaks, savor them carefully, and distill their essence so that you can draw on the experience later on, when it comes in handy to demonstrate your profound feelings, your poetic sensibilities, your delicacy of spirit, and thus serve as a great help in getting laid!.

See right through you, man, but, been there, done that, so soak in your miseries and let them arm you for your future conquests, sez I, and rottsa ruck :>)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:29 AM

Well that's not it AT ALL Amos! It's something totally different. Now it's time for a song from everybody's favorite glum-rockers (well at least mine) Radiohead. I'm gonna do "Street Spirit (Fade Out)." Can I get an arpeggio in here? Immerse your souls in love.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:38 AM

You get an arpeggio in here, you're gonna hafta clean it up yourself!
RtS
"I'm not an insurance agent, I'm an insurance agent's son
I've got a big endowment if you want me to show you one
Why hesitate, honey?"
[one verse, Gary Davis didn't think of, and proof I'm no lyricist]
RtS

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:44 AM

Yeah, I understand, man. The meme disguiseth well her folly,
the gene her hidden end;
But what them blues is all about
Is gettin' laid. my friend
Bring on your true-heart stories, friend,
Let hearts say what they may!
But when thy wick again doth dip
Them blues will go away!

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:48 AM

Did I ever say it did in the first place?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:53 AM

"You get an arpeggio in here, you're gonna hafta clean it up yourself!"?!?!?

thanks....I have coffee all over my screen and keyboard now.....*grin*

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:55 AM

Did you ever say what did what? I missed the referent.

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 12:36 PM

I ain't no Java Programmer, no Programmer's son
But I can nibble and byte 'til a programmer comes

Ain't no modem, no modem's son
But I kin modulate your bandwidth 'til that modem comes...

We must always remember we can do better....

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Peter T.
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 02:22 PM

The door squeaks open, and a man in a 3-piece dustball enters carrying a familiar box. He looks around for the barkeep and the old drunks, and not seeing any, smiles wanly, and makes his way to Mbo's table.

"Excuse me, sir, but I couldn't help overhearing your valedictory, ave-atque-vale, vale of tears song, and thought that you might be interested, in these days of pyramiding value, in a new product!!!!" Sets box down on table, which emits a squelchy sound, and proceeds to open the side flap. "Sir!! I present to you, the new improved, Internet compatible, SAD-O-METER!!!!!Some here will remember the old mechanical version -- they of little faith -- but I have now reengineered this baby, T1-ready, and subject to listing on the NASDAQ, depending on the wisdom of the new entrepreneurial generation!"

Pulls out keyboard from box, attaches to jukebox/robotic outlet. Types furiously. Machine glows translucently. Suddenly a 3-D projection of George Jones flickers to life in front of row of barstools. Machine puffs. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" begins to play.

Yahoo, Altavista, AOL-Online seize up: all search engines vainly seek out lost loves across millions of internet lines, to no avail. Java goes cold. Internet Explorer wanders out into the night, weeping for she who comes no more, and is not heard from again. Netscape sees the barrenlandscape of the future and curls up into a whimpering ball. HTML stands for Hearts Tragically Missing Love, and dissolves into wordless grief. All are caught in a universal web of loneliness and heartbreak.

The SAD-O-METER.COM spins on. George Jones' voice breaks, comes to a halt.

"Well, sir?" says the dour figure, with a proud smile on his grey face,"What do you think?"

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 02:39 PM

watch who you calling old, or I'll...I'll..

have another drink.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 03:26 PM

A paunchy balding business man in an inappropriate trenchcoat wanders through the open door.
"Excuse me," he says to the room at large, "but is there some monstrous hack emanating from here? If there is, I want apiece of that action right now, and I'm ready to provide up to three million intialy and 25 for second tier financing if they have what I think I just saw crashing portals all over the 'Net! They were folding up like offended maidens all over cyberspace!"

He walks anxiously over to the table where an entranced Mbo is listening to a dour eccentric engineer with a strange electronic box in front of him.

"Is that yours? What is it?!! How does it work??", he demands, waving a pigskin checkbook in one hand. I'll give you 10% of the founder's shares if you'll bring it up to my office and sign some papers..."

Mbo sighs melancholically, but the eccentric engineer with the gift of gab stands up slowly, a glint in his eye.

"Sit down," he says, waving his hand to a chair. "Mind the jello pit. We should talk. Don't mind my friend here -- the world is with him overmuch tonight."

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 04:37 PM

Wow mister! That's exactly what I need right now--but it's not some much the lonely heart, it's the guilt, remorse and anger at myself that I feel. I fear, that like Joe Jackson and Mitch Williams, I have been branded UNFORGIVEN.

--Mbo (Now could you get that thing to play "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World"?)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 08:38 PM

The gentle thunder of a 1947 Indian motorcycle penetrates the walls of the quiet Mudcat Tavern. The glistening machine rolls up to the Tavern door, and the tall stranger in the slouch hat and cape comes in. On his shoulder is a small capuchin monkey, holding on with one hand and looking brightly around. Nice day, glad it's winding down. Made eleven cuts and burned a CD. SIngle Malt, sir Mario, an' you would be so kind. My wife went off to Arizona to visit her Maw, and the kid's gone skiing, so I bought a monkey. He throws some bills down on the bar and tosses off his shot of fine golden whiskey. Reaching into his cape pocket he draws forth two golden disks in protective jackets. H eplaces them reverently on the bar.Mario, if the Gaelic Goddes graces this greasy garage again, give her these with my most profound respects, s'il vous plait. Here's one for Max, even though I know he never comes down here. Just in case...thanks.Gotta go, friends -- hope that deal work for ya Peter.He turns and heads for the door, pauses at Mbo's chair and gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder. "Grow your hair long and they will come...", he says softly. He turns and is gone. The moist, deep throated thrumming of the Indian again seeps powerfully through ther walls of the Tavern...and fades into the endless moonlit night.The fiddler takes up her bow and another tune floats over the still evening airs of the Tavern, touching every corner with gracenotes and a haunting vibration of long-lost love.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 09:46 PM

When the fiddler finishes playing a sweet, slow and tear-jearking version of Maggie (When I first said I loved only you Maggie, and you said you loved only me) she wipes away a tear, then looks over to see the sad poet, and two strangers at a table with a familiar box.

Oh RATS! I thought I threw that thing into the jello pit a while back. I HATE it when I cry on my bow. It ruins the hairs. I thought I was going to play Whiskey Before breakfast and then . . . Oh well, I guess I'll just go over and drink with MMario.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 09:52 PM

And good company you are. Beautiful rendition of Maggie, hope you didn't mind my singing along. Amos is in BIG trouble if he doesn't cut another copy of that golden disk for the Tavern......

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:00 PM

Thanks MMario. Maggie really should be sung. Hmmm, maybe we could play the goddes's disc before she gets b. . Well, maybe not such a good idea. D'you suppose Max would let us listen to his?

Now if he doesn't shut off that box I'l have to do The Bonnie Hind Sir Patrick Spence Young Waters Henry Martin Bonnie Susie Clellend The Bonnie Boy is Young Tell Laura I Love Her Honey Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue What Have They Done to the Rain AAAAARGH

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Mbo
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:18 PM

Now I'm playing "Once Upon A Time" by ELO Part II.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:24 PM

Beats "Me an' Bobbie McGee", Mbo! Glad you're stirring about!

("Wear it long and they will come, Mbo!" whispers the wind at the Tavern door)

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:30 PM

Finally, the fiddler can take it no more. Straining every muscle, shestarts in on a slow, dirge-like rendition of whiskey before Breakfast. Gradually through pure force of will, she speeds it up, then walks haltingly through Harvest Home, joggs through Arkansas Traveller, trots trhough Fisher's Hornpipe, canters through Smash the Windows, gallops thorough Rakes of Mallow, and grins madly as sparks fly from the box, yelling at the top of her lungs Where's the bloody Bodran player when you could really use him. Mikal, where are yooooooooooooou

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:38 PM

Yeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! Fire On the Mountain!!!

The crowd stomps on the bar, the tables, the floor, the rafters and the window panes (briefly) in a passioned frenzy of thund'rous rhythms and the ice-clear euphoria of a blazing fiddle permeating the very seams of the old building.

The grills and coffee pots are shaken from their somnolent solidity, and the jugs, jars, juicers, pints, shots, gimlets, shakers, grinders, fifths and jeroboams start vibrating to the wailing lovely madness of a fiddler running amok in music, making the dustmotes move to her time and lifting the logs from their joints in 16th rhythms.

This joint is jumping...

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Susan A-R
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:56 PM

Sally Goodin' Soldier's Joy, Garey Owen, White Cocade (no wisecracks here) The Scholar, Irishman's Heart to the Ladies, Kitchen Girl, Rockberg Castle, Finally, she lowers her bow, reaches for a mug of Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, downs it at a gulp and says, and that to your little box. and slumps against the bar. MMario barely catches the fiddle and bow as they slide from her fingers.

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:23 PM

The room stills in an awe of gasping, catching breaths, eyes-fire damping as the tones rebound and fade from the timbers, the shaking settles in the stones of the foundation, and an atmosphere of amazed peace after the storm settles on the enchanted tribe of blessed listeners.

Then the applause begins, as the fiddler reaches weakly for a single malt placed there by the impassioned, watchful MMario, and sips her way back to consciousness. Enthralled, bled, drained and electrified the crowd's applause rises and rises, storming the corners and echoing from the rafters.

Shivers of remembrance fuel it again, and the electric air of the Tavern is charged, recharged, and sparks to the heart of God in the moonlit night as they pay the fiddler her tribute, still dancing forever down the back corners of every heart in the room. As the applause subsides to a gentle hum of warm recollection, a new presence is felt in the room....

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Willie-O
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:32 PM

Hey Mbo, I love that tune "Sitting in the Stern of the Boat". Never heard anyone else play it either. I do it on guitar, in DADGAD, with "Skibbereen Lasses".

Willie-O

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 11:47 PM

Hey, Susan ... could I get a tape of that?

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: MMario
Date: 12 Feb 00 - 12:10 AM

just popped in to see what I was doing....and grab another brew before toddling off to my bunk. Amazing what one can do with multiple personalities on the job...

If anyone is interested, just sent a midi of "Marilee" off to Alan. It should show up on the MMudcat MMidi site sometime soon.

MMario

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Amos
Date: 12 Feb 00 - 12:36 AM

Dig it -- I have a dark stranger packing heat on an Indian out therein the night somewhere and I'm trying to go to bed my own self! He'll have to let himself in when he gets back from baying at the moon, I guess.

Thanks for serving all those drinks while you were out...your alter ego should fill you in on the fiddling that nearly broke the old Tavern apart.

Good night, Gracie.

A

Subject: RE: current tavern number is 21
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 12 Feb 00 - 09:37 PM

G'day,
MMario posted the words to Marilee earlier in this thread. He has also provided the tune which can be found at The Mudcat MIDI site.

Cheers,
Alan