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

0 posted 2000-07-24 09:57 PM


Lost and Found - A Boy's Best Friend

Below the lights that glistened, 'neath the dark, foreboding sky;
Out of the depths of darkened streets, she gave a mournful cry.
She focussed ... unfamiliar sounds, and struggled to define,
This place where sorrow filled the night, she shook with fright, and whined.

Her eyes, they darted frantically, to catch a loving eye,
But in amongst these crowded streets, she gave another cry.
No sights she could distinguish, through these long and lonely days,
She shrank amongst the trashcans, in the darkened alleyways.

She shivered as she raised a paw, to no one ... in despair;
This tired and lonely orphan, was a sight of disrepair.
Her fur was once a glistening coat, that hands had lightly brushed,
But now a matted rag she wore, no loving hands did touch.

Her eyes that twinkled with delight, as children called her name,
Were miles away, she heard them not ... as they called out in vain.
She sank into the shadows; timid, far too tired to run;
Her broken spirit, limping now, four days, she had been gone.

Away from all the faces she had come to know and love,
Replaced by careless grumblings, and ignored by those above.
Approaching strangers ... "Caution!" ... she began to give a growl;
And wary now, she watched them, as they cornered her somehow.

A loop was flung around her neck, she struggled to break free!
A feeble effort, she did try, then sank beneath their knees.
A darkness then surrounded her, as roughly she did rise;
And gratefully, she drifted off ... a heaving groan and sigh.

She woke to barking, heavy cage, of steel she was encased;
With neighbors who, abandoned there, yelped 'tward their coming fate.
She joined them in their frantic barks, each time their fury raged;
But unknown faces still remained, beyond her cold, stark cage.

She languished there, 'twas drifting fast, her days were numbered now;
And though she could not comprehend, she seemed to know somehow.
No longer did she hold out hope, or bark at strangers when,
They slowly walked beyond her cage while searching for a friend.

She felt it ... knew the end was near; lost hope was in her eyes;
But suddenly she heard a sound, and much to her surprise ...
A little boy, not more than five, walked slowly in this place;
His tiny hand held firmly by his father's warm embrace.

His eyes were filled with sorrow of a boy who'd lost all hope;
He started down the aisles of cage, like walking on tightrope.
She stood upon her trembling legs, and gave a muffled cry,
She uttered little yelps and whines ... but he just passed her by.

Dejected, there she rummaged up the strength that she once knew;
She could not let him pass her by ... he was "the one" she knew!
A bark, a yelp, much louder now, she tried to catch his ear;
Above the others, she did cry, a happy blissful cheer!

He hesitated, cocked his head as she let out a wail;
He looked up to his dad and turned ... she wagged her ragged tail.
It took him only moments to lock eyes upon her own,
As recognition slowly dawned, she beckoned him along.

A moment passed, he stood so still, and shock was in his eyes;
A wonder filled his boyish face as then he recognized
His poor bedraggled puppy he had passed without a thought,
Was hiding under matted fur, a sorry sight she was.

She wagged her tail more readily, as he began to run;
His sparkling eyes were twinkling now ... remembrance ... they had won!
He dropped to knees and reached within her cage with eager hands;
She wagged and wiggled as he pressed his face against the pen.

Her tongue reached out and slobbered then, a sloppy puppy kiss;
The little boy grinned with delight, his heart was filled with bliss.
His smiling face looked skyward, and he thanked the Lord above,
For helping him to find his friend, his wondrous puppy love.

And as they turned to leave this place, where she had spent her time;
She turned and looked up to the boy, and softly then, she sighed.

/Kit McCallum

© Copyright 2000 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
1 posted 2000-07-24 10:29 PM


Having four dogs of my own and one who is a "wanderer" I know this feeling of loss...and the joy when his eyes meet mine and we are once again "found"...this has my vote.

never say never

Sunnyone
Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England
2 posted 2000-07-24 11:07 PM


Kit....I would vote for this one a million
     times if they'd let me!! This was a
     wonderful story, and I gotta admit to
     a few tears, too. I love dogs, and you
     must, also, to be able to write like
     that!!    
            Truly a worthy work of art!!!


Love received is equal to love given!


oh2beme
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 215
NV USA
3 posted 2000-07-24 11:49 PM


What a piece of work!!!! Anyone who has been in the shelter and loves animals can really appreciate the writing. This brought goose bumps and a teary eye. Please consider this a true complement!!!!


Debbie L. Hoskins

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
4 posted 2000-07-24 11:57 PM


Fantastic, Kit!!!!! As a Dog Lover First Class, I love this one! What a wonderful idea to present the thoughts of both sides in such a touching way. VOTING HERE!!
Gossamerwings
Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207

5 posted 2000-07-25 12:05 PM


As one dog lover to another...I adore this story. Gets my vote, big time.  Thanks for the fantastic read!!!

Gossamerwings ;)

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
6 posted 2000-07-25 12:43 PM


Kit~
Well, you sure grabbed my heart
with this one.

Adorably sad and oh, so happy !
~*Marge*~



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


Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
7 posted 2000-07-25 05:47 AM


~Paula:  Oh Paula ... 4 dogs! You are the lucky one indeed, thank you so much for the lovely words!  

~Sunny:  What a wonderful comment Sunny, thank you a million times, and yes, I love dogs with all my heart and soul!  

~Oh2beme: Thank you for the beautiful compliment Oh2beme (like your pen name!). I have a hard time walking into a shelter, for fear I'll bring them all home!  

~Balladeer:  I'd hoped you'd stop by Balladeer ... and I'm so very grateful you enjoyed, thanks so much!!!!  

~Gossamerwings: Thank you .... and you're so welcome, from one furry critter lover to another!  

~Marge: Thanks soooo much Marge, and thank you for the wonderful puppy, he finishes this off beautifully!  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
8 posted 2000-07-25 05:57 AM


Kit...I think that is one of your best. I love the story, especially the end where the two unite. Such a beautiful homespun Lassie kind of tale.......you got my vote!
Butterflies_dont_cry
Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733
Michigan
9 posted 2000-07-25 08:48 AM


Kit* This was so perfect, a wonderful
weave....Voting  

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
10 posted 2000-07-25 09:03 AM


Lovely!
Way Too Good...

To the book this goes...

regards,
sudhir

Jacman
Member
since 2000-06-27
Posts 291
Dwight Il, US
11 posted 2000-07-25 09:24 AM


Wow Kit, its poems like this that make me glad that I never  grew up.  Just so you know, I just gave my dog a hug and a kiss.  She says thanks for writing such a beautiful poem.

Jason

Just as soon as I belong, then it's time I disapear...
-Metallica-

TerryW
Senior Member
since 2000-03-23
Posts 779
Louisville, Mississippi, USA
12 posted 2000-07-25 10:09 AM


Kit~
    This is incredible!  I love it! I love it! I love it!  This has got to be one of the best things I have read in a Looooong time! (Did I mention that I love it???)  I'm a-votin here, too!



Love Ya~

~you reached inside, you touched my heart,
and I am all the better for it~
Terry A. Woodson, Jr.

juliet_2u
Senior Member
since 2000-07-23
Posts 1125
North Carolina
13 posted 2000-07-25 10:32 AM


Oh my God Kit, I sat here reading this with tears running down my face.How incredibly everything all rolled up into one.Loved it.
   Juls

Elizabeth
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
14 posted 2000-07-25 11:21 AM


Kit, this was great! (Could Balladeer have met his match?   ) This was so awesome, and you really know how to tell a story!
Elizabeth


Why ME???

BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
15 posted 2000-07-25 11:34 AM


Oh Kit...What a precious, tender story.  This just held me from beginning to end. (So glad it was a happy ending)!!! Written beautifully, wonderful read.  Bonnie
jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
16 posted 2000-07-25 11:39 AM


Really Great! Kit. And besides that, just read it to Chelsie, my Irish Setter, and here whole hind end is going ninety to nothing...
so this is really appreciated from man and beast!!!

jwesley

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
17 posted 2000-07-25 11:45 AM


Tender and precious says this little boy.  Cast that vote it is already there.
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
18 posted 2000-07-25 06:11 PM


~Ethome:  Oh, that was so lovely Ethome ... a lassie kinda tale ... I love that! Thanks!

~Butterflies:  Thank you soooo much Butterflies ... much appreciation for your wonderful words!

~Sudhir:  Way too good?  Wow! Loved that Sudhir, thanks!

~Jason:  Aaaahhhh ... Give her a little hug from me and tell her she's welcome Jason ... thanks!

~Terry:  Wow Terry ... thanks, thanks, thanks! Loved your comment a lot I did!

~Juls: Oh Juls ... I'm sorry I didn't bring some kleenex, you should have seen my writing it!   Thank you Juls!

~Elizabeth:  Thank you so much for all the lovely thoughts Elizabeth! LOL ... no match I'm afraid though, Balladeer is my idol!!!      (can I say that without making him blush do you think?  

~Bonnie:  Thanks Bonnie, for the beautiful comments ... I love happy endings too!

~Jwesley:  LOL ... wonderful!  Applause from a wagging tale ... I LOVE IT! Give Chelsie a hug for me ... thanks Jwesley!

~Mark:  Thank you for the tender sweet comment Mark ... so glad you enjoyed!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
19 posted 2000-07-25 07:08 PM


Kit--You stole my heart with this one...and got my vote!
JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
20 posted 2000-07-25 07:25 PM


Simply beautiful...this poem should hold a prominant spot in each animal shelter.  A wonderful voice for all the lost animals...James
tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
21 posted 2000-07-25 07:51 PM


Kit~
This is quite superb, what a lovely ending and well done on keeping my attention you did well...sometimes with long pieces it is hard to keep your audiences attention but you had no trouble   good job.
I use to work in an animal shelter and this brought back some memories some good others not...thanks
Tracie~


Love is the life of the soul...
It is the harmony of the universe


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

22 posted 2000-07-25 09:15 PM


Very touching and well written, Kit! Wonderful!

Denise

2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
23 posted 2000-07-26 09:01 AM


Thanks for the very good read. A love story out of the ordinary.
Melton

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
24 posted 2000-07-26 01:31 PM


Kit, really loved this piece. You sure got to the emotional side of me with this one. I won't admit to crying like those others, wheres the kleenix, my face seems to be sweating alot for some reason. That's what guy do face sweat...
My votes in, click that little box for sure.

Parker

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
25 posted 2000-07-26 06:06 PM


~Martie:  Oh Martie ... glad you enjoyed, thanks so much ... very grateful here!

~James: I have a few hanging there already James, and the vets ... they might get tired of me yet!   Thanks James!

~Tracie: Thank you for the lovely response Tracie ... I'm glad it brought back some good memories (I apologize for the length, but it wouldn't stop writing itself, LOL)!

~Denise:  Thank you so much Denise ... I appreciate your comments soooo much!  

~Melton:  Glad you enjoyed Melton ... a little out of the ordinary but thats me ... thanks so much!

~Parker: Oh Parker   Just turn up that air conditioner and nobody will know ... thank you for this wonderful response!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
26 posted 2000-07-26 07:18 PM


Incredible story Kit ... flowed so smoothly ... I loved every word

Rex

Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
27 posted 2000-07-27 04:15 AM


Still one of my personal favorites!!!

Great story!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
28 posted 2000-07-27 10:19 AM


Beautifully written story that should go right into the book
Liz

angel girl
Member
since 1999-07-23
Posts 322
within a whisper...
29 posted 2000-07-27 11:03 AM


This is so good! Wow.
angel girl
Member
since 1999-07-23
Posts 322
within a whisper...
30 posted 2000-07-27 11:04 AM


This is so good! Wow.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
-William Shakespeare


Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
31 posted 2000-07-27 09:55 PM


~Rex:  Thank you so much Rex ... I love it when it flows!  

~Todd:  Wow!  Thanks Todd ... I really appreciate your response!

~Elizabeth:  Thanks so much Liz!  Your comments mean so much to me!

~Angel Girl: Thank you for the Wow Angel Girl, I'm glad you enjoyed!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

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