"The Dude's Landlord", a poem about Marty in The Big Lebowski movie.

The Dude’s Landlord

A poem by Chrome Dome Mike Kimbro

Consider reading along to my Spoken Verse Performance!

We’ve been advised,

Time and time again,

That life sometimes imitates art.

But don’t be surprised,

Much to your chagrin,

To learn we can’t always choose the part.

I had just been through,

One really crappy day.

I couldn’t wait to bite into

The nachos on my TV tray.

Now on to the entertainment decision

Tonight the laughs had to be guaranteed.

This ruled out programmed television

For you see, I was all out of weed.

Here's a photo of a t-shirt featuring "The Dude Abides", the ultimate message of the Big Lebowski.

A comedy choice can be somewhat risky.

I needed one which would soon have me rolling.

So I chose a sure thing: “The Big Lebowski”

The Coen’s definitive work on bowling.

I could have gone with “Love at First Bite”

Or “Life of Brian” or “Bachelor Party”.

But if I had on that particular night,

Odds are I’d never have noticed ‘Marty’.

You see, Marty wasn’t the protagonist.

He’s listed simply as “The Dude’s Landlord”,

In this feature film’s closing credits.

That’s where a movie’s best music is scored.

Marty was played by the actor Jack Kehler.

It was a casting call most did not answer.

While I wouldn't say Jack was a scene stealer.

He was this film’s best male interpretive dancer.

In the artistic passion which Marty displayed.

I recognized a kindred spirit.

In his face, shown the high price he paid.

He sought critique, while others might fear it.

If you feel that such devotion is grand.

You should check out my poetic writing.

For the life of me, I can’t understand,

Why the others don’t find it exciting.

Now some will think I’ve lost my mind.

To leading men they feel a connection.

Watch the next movie and you might just find.

In the butler you see your reflection.

Now, you've been advised,

Time and time again,

That life sometimes imitates art.

But don’t be surprised,

Much to your chagrin,

To learn you can’t always choose the part.

The End

The "Warhol Dude" T-Shirt is from A.T. Hun Art Gallery

The author rockin' an Andy-esque array of colorful Dude images on a T-Shirt purchased from Brigette at the A. T. Hun Gallery in Savannah, GA.