“Mark Twain” by Steve Penley
humor with an admix of salt
floats down cynical rivers
through heartlands where
whitewash and mud paint
colloquial idioms raucous
with satire of innocent foibles
and deeper cut flaws of a
galloping history peccant
with self-indulged characters
countrified mise-en-scene
dreamscapes of Camelot
paupers and shot-laden frogs
here is America rendered
with mastery argot so deftly
employed to amuse the most
pompous of old Europe ears
From my book Pieces of Wine
Poesy plus Polemics 
True enough, Paul. A master of his art in every which way.
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cheers, mike
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Two sublime artists
Paul F. Lenzi and Mark Twain
Read and be spellbound
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you are most kind – thank you, chris
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Wonderfully put. Genius. Cheers!!! 🙂
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many thanks
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Pingback: Twain — Poesy plus Polemics | davidbruceblog #2
thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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When first I studied Twain in my teenage high school years, I became acutely aware and inspired much as I reacquainted with that thirst for a greater appreciation for exceptional literary works through your own writings, Paul. It was magical then, as it now is through your published works. Few capture my focus nor desire for more, a journey so well taken through the very words that have inspired you greatly through your verse so graciously given.
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from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your gracious thoughtfulness and generous compliments – I will cherish your comments, don – no poet could hope for a more satisfying reaction to his work
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You are most welcome, Paul. Thank YOU for following your own vision and a passion we mutually share. This deeply personal form of creative expression is so truly fulfilling and the responses surpass what words alone can convey.
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