»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #48
»
Outside the Box
| Open Poetry #48 |
|
Outside the Box |
|
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
|
Hi everyone, it has been TOO long since I last posted! I left my old profile picture up, but perhaps this new silver-haired picture is worth a poem of about 205 words? Now let’s see if I remember how to do this, lol.   Maybe a little preamble here will help since I’m back among friends. About a year ago, I developed a bad allergy to the primary chemical used in most permanent hair dyes (paraphenylenediame or ppd). I had to stop dying my hair as a result of numerous health complications surrounding the issue, and so began my transition to find out what silver treasure nature had in store for me that I'd been hiding for the last 25 years (yes, my old color came out of a box). HA! It’s been a year since I stopped dying my hair, and I eventually chopped my hair back to a pixie in the summer. It’s finally starting to grow in a bit with a cool silvery hue. Happily, my pen came out of hiding to find a way to reason out my transitional hair turmoil, this is the result, lol  . Outside the Box Nature rose to breach the surface, Past the box triumphantly, "Look at me!" She grinned with purpose, Unabashed for all to see. Strengthened by her brilliant entrance, She transformed from dark to light, Rooted there, she kept her distance As I quelled my growing fright. There she shone with grace and glory, All for one and one for all, Geared to fight, she'd raised an army Ready to advance or fall. Just like clockwork, her persistence Kept us feuding frequently, Such a hindrance, this resistance, Poised to clash and mocking me. How had this become my battle? Was it ageless ticking clocks? Was it all the whispered prattle?? Time to think outside the box! Could I not embrace with pleasure That which I should not forsake? Why did I succumb to pressure? Was it not my choice to make? Patiently, I pondered knowing If I threw that box away, Somewhere lay my silver lining Proudly veiled in shades of gray. Suddenly – illusions shattered. Could I just be "me" again? Was that all that really mattered? If not now, I wondered – when?? Time to stop this silly nonsense! Freedom called from Nature's side! Willingly … I dropped my pretense, Tossed that box and flashed my pride! |
||
| © Copyright 2012 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
God love you, I know I love this! Probably more than a year ago, I stepped aside the box as well. I had abhored doing so initially because my hubby of 8 years senior was always saying "why don't you look as old as the rest of us" as I was the young one in the bunch. It took my hair stylist to say, "your salt and pepper look might be great!, why not give it a try?" I'll tell you, words, and heart, make all the difference as to how a message is delivered... and you delivered this one with style!  I've missed you!!! |
||
Alison 
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Kit, it's so wonderful to see your poetry. First, I have learned much from you ... please, please keep writing and sharing. Second, you are splendidly beautiful. I like the new look - you look as young as in the other picture. Truly. Thank you for sharing this . You make me smile. xxoxo Alison |
||
|
Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Wonderful! I love the twist on 'outside the box'...great write here, of confidence and self-acceptance...and I don't know you, but your newest pic is no less lovely, you are one of those fortunate women who can carry the blonde's natural progression and still look beautiful and classy. I still 'see' myself as blonde, also, in my mind's eye..it can be so difficult to let that go! I so relate  Amaryllis |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Karilea and Alison, I have missed you too!!! Thanks soooooo much for the kind words. I have to say, I was nervous about posting this one, lol, but you wonderful ladies have given a smile, so all is well! Hey Karilea, I'm glad to hear I am in great company! Much appeciated, /Kit |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you so much for the lovely comment Amaryllis, it is great to meet you as well! I loved to hear you can relate! Much appreciated, /Kit |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Kit, I love your poem, although I don't relate to it at all, never ever having dyed my hair. I am 66 and proud of it and proud of my grey hair and like my grey hair. Both photos are lovely and to be treasured. The long blonde hair looks very natural, soft and flowing and suited you very well. So many times dyed blonde hair looks exactly that, dyed blonde hair. Yours was very well done and looked lovely. I think you look every bit as beautiful in the second photo, but with an added grace, and I see an added sense of contentment and a deep wisdom. I don't see it as one against the other, but two equally important parts of a beating heart and soul and life. Owl |
||
|
bel1e Senior Member
since 2006-07-24
Posts 1631 |
Wonderfully crafted poem...straight from the heart. Welcome back! I look forward to reading more of you~~~ ~write on~ |
||
|
Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
You're as beautiful as you ever were Love this! It's good to see you back. |
||
|
ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Both the pictures (present and past are beautiful..:-) But I like the now picture better, as there is more a glint of wisdom in your eyes. " Suddenly – illusions shattered. Could I just be "me" again? Was that all that really mattered? If not now, I wondered – when??" The answer to when was now. And your poem played on that theme very well. I enjoyed reading this,and hope that other men and women, especially those in this phase of life, read it--and understand its meaning. |
||
|
Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
|
||
|
secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
VERY well written !! |
||
|
JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
We all must reconsider what nature has given us at one time or another and let it seduce us. You look wonderful. ~*~ I gave up feeling guilty just to survive a long time ago ~*~ |
||
|
JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
"Time to stop this silly nonsense! Freedom called from Nature's side! Willingly … I dropped my pretense, Tossed that box and flashed my pride!" I bet that felt good too. Enjoyed; the metamorphosis was in your favor. JL Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. Maranatha! |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Lovely - Inside or Outside the box, it matters not. Kit is Kit and that's a wonderful thing. Nice to see you posting..  |
||
|
Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Kit, Portrayed with a true style and grace, kewl poem too. Doc |
||
|
Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Glad to see you back, Kit. Both pictures are beautiful and I love the way you're thinking outside the box. I seem to have inherited an anti-grey gene from my mother. I am 68 and I still don't have grey hair but when it does turn I plan to let it stay that way. Ida |
||
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Patiently, I pondered knowing If I threw that box away, Somewhere lay my silver lining Proudly veiled in shades of gray. Now ain't that just the truth? You forgot to tell the nice folks the nightmare that lead to being outside the box in detail. It was murder! I on the other hand, saw the white and gray and knew I had earned each and every single strand. I was so proud of my silver threads emerging through golden strands, that I could hardly wait to go white! Now I sometimes wonder, what was I thinking! Oh, I know - less $ on hair dye =more $ for shoes! LOL Let's show the world that thinks blondes have more fun, what a blast it is being gray! Love ya kiddo, and great poem! |
||
|
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Kit, you are a beautiful person... And Passions is a much warmer place with your presence. I'm so happy to see you back. Michael |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
OwlSA: I'm to hear you never died your hair I'm am proud of you too! (wish I had had the sense back then, lol). Thanks so much for the lovely comment Owl. bel1e: Thank you for the kind welcome Baby Girl, it's nice to be back and posting. Nicole: Thank you so much Nicole, it's good to be back and great to see you here as well! Ice: Thank you for commenting on the theme and meaning Ice, I really appreciated it. It's good to see you! Ron: I got one finished Ron, lol! Secondhanddreampoet: Thanks so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it! JerryPat2: I don't know if nature seduced me or dragged me kicking and screaming at the start, but I'm glad she did. Thanks! JL: It does feel good now JL, and it's been quite a journey ... hair takes a long time to grow back, lol! Nan: Thank ya Nan! Outside the box is liberating I must say, lol. Dr.Moose1: Thanks for the wonderful comment Doc, much appreciated! Marchmadness: It's good to be back Ida. I remember my grandmother without gray for many years, but my mom went gray in her 20's and I followed right along, lol Hold off I say, no need for the box! Mysteria: Yah, I didn't forget to tell about the nightmare Sharon, I'm still living with whatever this has done to my health ... it's more like a soap opera, lol. ROFL @ more money for shoes though, only you my friend! HA! Michael: Thank you so much Michael. Passions is such a warm and loving home. I always love that about these blue pages. I'm happy to be back and to see you too. Thanks so much for the warm welcome and wonderful comments everyone. Much appreciated, /Kit |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
It is so wonderful to see you posting... and I hope you're feeling better now that you've declared your independence from the box! *S* Your new look is great... but with a heart like yours, you'd be beautiful no matter what the color of the hair strands... or even if none existed. *S* |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Kit...you are beautiful just the way you are, no matter what way that is. I did the same thing and I'm very glad I did. Love the poem too! |
||
|
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I bet Martie did it to buy more flowers! We all have our reasons. |
||
|
tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
absolutely beautifully penned  and I've gotta say you look gorgeous!Love is the life of the soul... |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Suthern: Thanks Ruth, actually I'm still having some health issues. It's really bizarre. Even a simple chemical patch test with a tiny drop of the stuff 2 months ago sent my system into a tizzy. It seems to fall under the medical "Ripley's Believe it or Not" files. Martie: I am so glad to hear I am in good company with you Martie. It feels good, doesn't it? Freedom, lol! Mysteria: ROFL, Martie for flowers and you for shoes! Since I can't even walk into a salon anymore, I guess I'm saving on haircuts too! I guess that means I saved enough to buy more flowers AND shoes, lol. Tracie66: Thank you so much Tracie! It's wonderful to see you! Much appreciation everyone, /Kit |
||
|
LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
Kit, welcome home! It is wonderful to see your poems again... this... Just like clockwork, her persistence Kept us feuding frequently, Such a hindrance, this resistance, Poised to clash and mocking me. I'm smiling, b/c I was there to...lol... Hey, so sorry to hear about your health issue... My best friend was a hairdresser, she died from lung cancer, and I can't help but ponder if it was from all those chemicals???? Big hugs to ya...Lee J. |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks so much for the kind words LeeJ. It does make you wonder, doesn't it? There are so many chemicals in so many things anymore that we breathe in, ingest or lather on. It's all pretty frightening really. Much appreciation, /Kit |
||
|
TreasureFort Junior Member
since 2012-08-30
Posts 15 |
smiles |
||
|
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
It's so great to hear from your pen again. And to see you again. You are beautiful!I have missed your poetry and have often commented that one of the most glorious moments I can remember is when you and Balladeer read your poem aloud to us in the mists of Cape Cod. Love you Liz |
||
|
ken206573 Member
since 2008-10-14
Posts 487 |
I think gray is a lovely color on anyone's head. It's a beautiful thing as well as your poem. I loved each line, brave, sweet and true. Great work with the poem and yourself. |
||
|
Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
Kit, it is so good to read your beautiful poetry. As for you, you are just as beautiful as you have always been. |
||
|
JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Fine writing...James |
||
|
miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Kit, Sorry to hear about the health issues, but your poem and picture have been a pleasure to read and see. You are beautiful, and your poem expresses many of my feelings toward the beginning of my graying. To wear it with pride! We've earned every one of those gray hairs for having succeeded through he challenges of daily living. I suppose they can be badges of honor! A pleasure to read! |
||
|
Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
shades of natural grey can be really beautiful loved to read your words thank you for sharing |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
