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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2000-06-19 06:23 PM


        The Phonecall

The call that comes in darkest sleep,
   Awakens with a fright;
For 2 am, the silence breaks
   The peaceful calm of night.

When only moments earlier,
   I dreamt of visions fair;
Of light and love and happiness;
   ... Till ringing filled the air.

It beckoned me from deepest sleep,
   And drew me from my daze;
I shook my head to clear my mind,
   Find focus through this haze.

"How long has this been ringing?"
  As I reach to find the light;
I steal a glance toward the clock,
  And now my heart takes flight!

'Tis many hours before the dawn,
  Yet all should be in bed;
My loved ones faces fill the night;
  ... My heart is filled with dread.

I struggle for composure as
  I reach to grab the phone;
My stomach churns, my heart contracts;
  "Are all my kids at home?"

I stumble as I grasp the handle,
  Stifle silent screams;
"Oh God ... please let this phonecall
  Be a part of just a dream!"

My heart is racing, mind's a whirl,
  Receiver's made of lead;
"Oh, how can this be happening!"
  "Who's on the other end?!"

Just seconds pass and yet I find
  It's been eternity;
I raise the phone to panicked ear;
  "Oh please ... don't be for me!!!"

/Kit McCallum

© Copyright 2000 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
Corazon
Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209

1 posted 2000-06-19 06:40 PM


oh, I am glad you put this one in to be voted for...I remember reading it just the other day...it takes you on a journey of terror that we all have known, and leaves you with your heart beating harder in your chest...great writing  
X Angel
Senior Member
since 1999-11-07
Posts 1521
Oregon
2 posted 2000-06-19 07:02 PM


Hehehe...I know this feeling much too well! Wunnerful poem!
~Heather

Novacaine For The Soul
Member
since 2000-05-26
Posts 122
New Orleans
3 posted 2000-06-19 07:22 PM


dear kit,
     i've been in this situation far too many times... fortunately for me the reaction is more of a minor annoyance than terror due to the fact that i dont have anyone to look after *heh*... a wonderful poem though...

sincerely,
a sad tomato

you're such a beautiful freak... i wish there were more just like you...

Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
4 posted 2000-06-19 07:25 PM


Very cool Kit, I think we can all relate to this!!  It almost made me laugh but was serious all at the same time!!  I really like it!!  

Bridgette


"Creation of woman from the rib of Man: She was not made from his head to top him; nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved." -Unknown


A Romantic Heart
Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-03
Posts 5496
Forever In Your Heart
5 posted 2000-06-19 08:17 PM


Very emotional piece! you have my vote!
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

6 posted 2000-06-19 09:02 PM


been there done that...
you captured it perfectly
great work

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
7 posted 2000-06-19 09:35 PM


Yes! My vote here!
Jeffrey Carter
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367
State of constant confusion!
8 posted 2000-06-19 09:47 PM


Great work Kit
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
9 posted 2000-06-19 10:41 PM


My heart was beating wildly as I read this.. excellent poem!!!  
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
10 posted 2000-06-20 02:15 AM


An excellent choice, Kit...

Very much liked this one..once, twice, many times...

regards, sudhir

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
11 posted 2000-06-20 06:06 AM


Kit~
For the memories it stirs ...
Thanks for including this.
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
12 posted 2000-06-20 06:30 AM


Such a tease this is....mercilessly leaves you hanging in the air, wondering how the phonecall will turn out to be...

well done, kit

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
13 posted 2000-06-20 09:54 PM


***Thanks and MUCH appreciation to all above!  This was a recent post inspired by a very heart-wrenching situation from my friend, though it seems, many of us have all been touched with the same emotions many a time.  As always ... pray for a wrong number!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

14 posted 2000-06-20 10:56 PM


This is definitely one of your best, Kit!  

Denise

bsquirrel
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855

15 posted 2000-06-21 02:55 AM


I can't say no to you, Kit. You again serve up a piping hot stew, only this one imbued with terror, concern and mothery ... beyond love into almost obsession. (or obsession) And no, I don't always talk this stilted -- I need to go to sleep.

Mike

Colin
Senior Member
since 1999-06-05
Posts 596
Callington, Cornwall, England
16 posted 2000-06-21 08:47 AM


Kit, I remember all too well reading this just a few days ago. I don't remember if I replied or not... I know I meant to but I was deeply moved by the terror so evident in your words that I might have needed time to think. If I didn't, forgive me... this is magnificent.

Eric.

"We are the music makers and we are the makers of dreams." - Willy Wonka.

linda munday
Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315
Adelaide, Australia
17 posted 2000-06-21 10:45 AM


Kit,
When next my phone rings I shall think of this,,be it day or night.
Let me get over it (in a few days).
Excellent!!!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
18 posted 2000-06-21 11:39 AM


Excellent choice. Excellent poem
Liz

FlyHigh
Member
since 2000-06-21
Posts 84
Bekkestua, Norway
19 posted 2000-06-21 12:00 PM


Your poem brings back memories. Excellent poem. Gimme more..  

Geir Jakobsen



--
"Luck affects everything. Let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it there will be a fish."
Ovid (BC 43-18 AD, Roman P

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
20 posted 2000-06-21 09:58 PM


~Denise:  Thank you Denise ... makes me smile  
~Mike: Thank you!  And glad you can't say no to me Mike ...  
~Eric: No forgiveness required Eric, and thanks so much for the wonderful comment!
~Linda: Hope it's a wrong number next ring Linda! Thanks.
~Liz: Thank you so much Liz!
~Geir:  I'll try Geir, I'll try, and thanks!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
21 posted 2000-06-22 02:08 AM


Kit; You got my heart pounding too! Great read. Ellie
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
22 posted 2000-06-22 02:31 AM


Although you left us hanging, sigh, I definitely felt the pain of this one... Wow
JP
Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343
Loomis, CA
23 posted 2000-06-22 03:30 AM


Yep, this gets a vote.  

Yesterday is ash, tomorrow is smoke; only today does the fire burn.
JP

"Everything is your own damn fault, if you are any good." E. Hemmingway

CMGrimm
Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685
USA
24 posted 2000-06-22 07:03 AM


Great work Kit...

chris

Never be a carbon copy of anybody...make your own impressions. - ANON.



Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
25 posted 2000-06-23 06:35 PM


such a frightening feeling--and you have put it into words so well!!
Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

26 posted 2000-06-23 06:55 PM


Kit, I loved this poem when I read it before, and enjoyed it again today...what trepidation you have expressed, and so strikingly clear. Excellent.

~ Claire

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau


Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
27 posted 2000-06-24 10:05 AM


~Ellie,
~Christopher,
~JP,
~Chris,
~Martie
~Claire

Thank you sooooooo much.  Your wonderful replies are all truly appreciated!

With much gratitude,
/Kit


sea_of_okc
Senior Member
since 1999-06-15
Posts 568
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
28 posted 2000-06-25 01:45 PM


Don't know how I missed this when it first was posted, but I read it now  
Very well written, a feeling I think any spouse/parent can relate to...

insect
Senior Member
since 2000-04-22
Posts 1014

29 posted 2000-06-26 07:57 PM


You are just excellent with your
writing! /Kit McCallum.
VOTED!

Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
30 posted 2000-07-03 01:22 PM


Hi Kit,

Wonderful and so true to have this happen to you, I know I have three teenagers and I always worrie wial they are out for the night.

Cerenity

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
31 posted 2000-07-25 07:27 AM


~sea_of_okc:  Thanks so much Sea_of_okc!  Much appreciation for the comment!

~Insect:  Wow!  Loved that Insect ... thanks sooooo much!

~Cerenity:  It's all too often a fear ... thanks so much Cerenity!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
32 posted 2000-07-25 08:45 AM


Kit you've described artfully that horrible dread that everyone feels when the phone rings in the middle of the night.
I don't think there is anything that scares me worse.
Very well done Kit...held me like a vise.

Take care...ethome..

Heather Miller
Member
since 2000-07-19
Posts 409
Bryan, Ohio USA
33 posted 2000-07-25 09:34 AM


Yes very well written. Made me remember back to the call i got at 3:30 to say my grandpa joined the angels about 3 yrs ago.  ) I felt happy and sad all at the same time.
LITL,
Heather

With God all things are possible.

Tess
Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 288
Australia
34 posted 2000-07-26 10:53 AM


I hate those phone calls in the night!
great poem  

"Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by
rule."~ Samuel Butler ~


Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
35 posted 2000-07-26 03:02 PM


Kit, thought I voted on this, I was remis... So now i'm back to make sure.....click x marks the spot....

Scary writing here, loved it, I think i'll get my phone unlisted.

Parker

Tiziano
Junior Member
since 2000-07-26
Posts 14

36 posted 2000-07-26 03:48 PM


I relived the experience, as many other readers did, of answering a call in the middle of the night, and the thoughts...
Thank you for the great writing.
Tiziano

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
37 posted 2000-07-31 10:16 AM


~Ethome:  Glad I "gripped ya" Ethome! Thank you!

~Heather:  I'm so sorry for the loss of your grampa Heather ... thank you for your kind words, I do understand.

~Tess:  Me too Tess! and thanks!

~Parker:   Thanks Parker, much appreciated!

~Tiziano:  You're welcome Tiziano ... scary, they sure are, thanks so much for your response!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

dgvarner
Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552
High Springs, Florida
38 posted 2000-07-31 04:32 PM


have felt this heart pounding fear myself..i do dislike those odd hour phn calls..they fill ones heart with such fear...

great writing, kit  

dg


"Half of what i say is meaningless; but i say it so that the other half may reach you."
-Kahlil Gibran


Kimber
New Member
since 2000-07-31
Posts 8
Edmonton,Alberta,Canada
39 posted 2000-08-01 12:21 PM


My heart travels to my throat and fear squeezes the remaining breath out of me...then I come to the end of your poem.
How do you do it?
My praise to you on a great poem.
Truly,
Kimber


Life is to short to waste-so live it like it will last forever!

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
40 posted 2000-08-02 07:42 AM


~DGVarner: Thank you so much DG ... I dread them myself, as I've known them too well!  

~Kimber: Wow ... what a lovely comment Kimber, thanks so much!  

Best wishes,
/Kit

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