Many of us had aspirations of greatness when we were kids, some of us still hang onto those dreams, and some—not many—maybe even reached the lofty heights to which they aspired. Some, simply didn’t dream. Me, I dreamed, but it seems I was just another face in the crowd, wielding a bat that never quite made contact, and writing songs that never got sang. It bothered me some for a bit, but I’ve come to terms with who I am and what I’ve offered up to the world. I’ve learned to do the best I can each day, and rest assured it’s enough.
Ridin’ the Pine
Do you know what it’s like
To be that guy
You know, the one the girls say
Well, he ain’t no Brad Pitt
But he’s kinda cute
And he’s soooo funny
To be the guy always ridin’ the pine
You know… the almost guy
Almost good enough, but not as good as
The guy he’s cheering for
The one who just made the diving catch
Rolled, stepped on the bag
Spun in the air like some freakin’ ballerina
And fired the ball to first for a double play
Do you know what it’s like
To write poems, stories and novels
Doing it because you love it
And maybe because you have a dream, too
And can’t imagine ever doing anything else
Then you pay to have your novel published
You know, the one that sold fourteen copies
Then you read a novel by Stephen King
Robert McCammon, or Elmore Leonard…
Or a book of poetry by Kellie Elmore
And you walk into your office
Look at your computer
And mumble to yourself
What the hell was I thinking
Copyright © 2013 C Mashburn
I’ll be sharing this on dVerse Poets Pub’s Open Link Night #89 this afternoon. And, since it inspired this poem, I’d like to dedicate it to Kellie Elmore to celebrate the release of her second book of poetry. Click here to read my review of Jagged Little Pieces.
Sherry Mashburn said
Such a sad tale and a poignant picture, too. Very relatable to everyone’s life.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, m’dear!
Raivenne said
Perspective, Charles. You are fourteen sold books ahead of the pine rider who dreams of being The Next Great Write Hope, but doesn’t have the guts to publish.
charlesmashburn said
I hear ya! Like I said, I’m good with where I am, but! That don’t mean I plan to stay here!
Raivenne said
Now that I can nod my head to! Write on!
charlesmashburn said
ah’ight den
brian miller said
oh snap…raveinne put it all into perspective with her comment…comparison kills man…we chase our dreams regardless and if we are always second place….well at least we are consistent…smiles.
charlesmashburn said
Oh, I agree, Brian. This was prompted by Kellie’s new book–it is outstanding, in my humble opinion–and also by a book I just finished called The Bottom of the 33rd, by Dan Barry. It’s about the longest baseball game ever played, and he delves into the heartaches of some of the players who never make it to the big leagues.
RL King said
Well, all things come to fruition in there own time…I think? Write write write… love it…and it will love you back, one day.
RL King said
*their {Blush}
charlesmashburn said
I don’t pay no never mind to them lil thangs!
charlesmashburn said
I agree 100%, and I will!
Kellie Elmore said
I don’t even know what to say. Thank you so much, I’m so flattered and… Mad! You are such a talent and I an so mad hearing you speak of your writing in that way. You are amazing. You are THE guy. Not second place… Ever.
charlesmashburn said
Awe shucks, ma’am… . I’m ah’ight, ah reckon.
L said
Riding the pine has its own rewards!
charlesmashburn said
I do believe you are correct!
Mary said
Charles, I have co-authored two novels as well. I think they are every bit as good as some of the stuff you find in print somewhere. It is hard to break into that market, and I think you have to KNOW someone in order to do it. I am cynical, I guess. TALENT doesn’t always do it. And QUALITY is often overlooked. We all have our dreams, don’t we? Now I just write for myself and realize that big breaks happen to those with connections……that truly IS the way of it.
charlesmashburn said
I know what you mean, Mary. It can be discouraging at times, but I write because I love to write, and if someone reads what I write and enjoys it, well, that’s just icing on the cake!
ayala said
I understand this… But I also think that if you believe and you dream that’s all that matters. 🙂
charlesmashburn said
I agree, Ayala. And, I love to dream almost as much as I love to write!
Grace said
We all have those dreams ~ Keep on writing because it makes you happy ~
charlesmashburn said
I absolutely will, Grace!
Tony Maude said
What is especially galling is when you come across published work that you would have been ashamed to show to anyone. Hey, you’re fourteen books ahead of me in sales too.
charlesmashburn said
Yep. I’ve read some of those you’re talking about. Real head-shakers, some of them. But it’s all good. I figure if it’s meant to be, it will be. And just so everyone understands, this poem was somewhat fictionalized. I was just trying to make a point.
Kellie Elmore said
I am completely flattered that you mentioned me in this wonderful and touching poem. I feel just like you, I cannot possibly be that good, I feel like the other guy…like the poem says, the one on the sidelines watching the pros. And you, in my eyes are a PRO! I really enjoy your work and am always enchanted with your stories. I wish I could do what YOU do!
XOXOXOX Kellie
charlesmashburn said
Oh, stop that! You’re just being silly now! But, thank you! Your praise and kind words are very much appreciated and enjoyed!
Kellie Elmore said
I am NOT being silly *sticking out tongue* lol!
Really, you must know I am true when I say that you are awesome and a master storyteller. So YOU stop THAT! Now.
xox
charlesmashburn said
ah’ight den
Suzy said
Dream big and dreams will come true. Dropping by from dVerse.
charlesmashburn said
I am!
Thank you for dropping by, Suzy!
pandamoniumcat said
I always tell my kids, just put “she tried” on my tombstone… and I figure that’s all you can do… you’ve gotta have a go and one day you never know everything will go “click”. Nice write Charles 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Oh! I like that Dianne! Can I have it put on my tombstone too? I’ll put your copyright below it, of course. 🙂
pandamoniumcat said
ha ha ha ha!!!! I’ll hold you to that! 🙂
charlesmashburn said
🙂
kkkkaty1 said
I’ll have to check out the book on the longest baseball game….I think you will sell more books…sometimes it takes time for the word to get around 😉
charlesmashburn said
It’s a pretty good book.
And, yes, I will sell many more books. It ain’t over til it’s over! 🙂
Ginny Brannan said
Oh yes, I know the feeling!! Even wrote about it on my blog a few weeks back, just to release the frustration of it all,even though it was only shared there and not on any of the sites lest I offend. Here should you choose to read: http://insideoutpoetry.blogspot.com/2013/02/invisible.html
We write for ourselves first, but validation is a wonderful thing. You are a wonderful writer, hold on tight to that pen!!
charlesmashburn said
Thank’s Ginny! I appreciate the kind words and support!
mindlovemisery said
Do I ever know how this feels! You are a writer and a talented one, it takes awhile for people to discover you and you have to keep throwing yourself into the fire so to speak. My blog its just crickets most of the time especially now that I have been away and that I can’t find any of those fun contests I used to participate in. Like you though I have the passion to write and so I write even if no one knows I exist. I believe in you! You have voice like no one else =)
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the lovely encouraging words! You’ve started my day with a big smile!
mindlovemisery said
I am so glad to hear that =)
charlesmashburn said
🙂
Truedessa said
Hi Charles,
Always enjoy your writing..”riding the pine” I think everyone can relate to that line at some point in life.
charlesmashburn said
Yes, we all spend some time there at some point.
Thanks for stopping by!