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Humphrey

by John G.Hall 

Posted: 02 May 2004
Word Count: 120
Summary: American hero...
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Humphrey

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't punch he clipped
he didn't smoke he sucked cupped lips.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't kiss he pushed
he didn't laugh he cracked open shut.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't shake he shook
he didn't cry he sobbed a silent flood.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't drink he drained
he didn't burn he flamed a forest up.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't die he choked
he didn't fall he softly curtain called.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't like he loved ,
he didn't fade he played America's soul
a whistling bomb forever falling in love.

John.G.Hall©2003






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Account Closed at 13:00 on 02 May 2004  Report this post
John, hats off for a Humphrey Bogart poem, WOW! I like the wordplay in this, reminded me of the sureness of Bogart's performances. Powerhouse every time. I've never seen a poem on Bogart, but this matches his persona perfectly.

I'll never forget the 1st time I saw The Treasure Of Sierra Madre. Bogart talking to himself in the desert, and getting paranoid under the heat of the sun. Absolutely one of the best pieces of cinema, and his performance in that is one of the all time greats, just like the man he was!

Great poem, John!

Steven
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Account Closed at 19:17 on 02 May 2004  Report this post
Thought this was cool, in modern parlance!! Conjured up Bogie for me, no doubt. I didn't know whether you might lose the last line though?

Anne B
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Account Closed at 20:03 on 02 May 2004  Report this post
Maybe that's a reference to the first time Bogie-and-Bacall were on-screen together, in 'To Have Or Have Not':
BACALL'S CHARACTER: "You know how to whistle, don't you?...all you have to do is put your lips together...and blow!"

Also, BACALL has a silver whistle that BOGART gave her when he was dying. So it could be that too.

Steven
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Nell at 06:46 on 03 May 2004  Report this post
John, I guess you must have watched Casablanca yesterday? This is so evocative of Bogie, a clever insight into what made him iconic Great.

Nell.
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roovacrag at 10:19 on 03 May 2004  Report this post
John,
this is good and as a fan of bogie it was said very well.
A good tribute to the man of all time.
Well done.
xx Alice
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