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The Nature - Of Man
| Open Poetry #15 |
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The Nature - Of Man |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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The Nature - Of Man Once plentiful and well adjusted, nature persevered, From creatures to the forest green, her balance was revered; Then entered "man" into their world, with egocentric minds, Insensitive to all he wrought, immune to selfish crimes. With not a thought for those who walked upon the soil he shared, Man forged along with no regret, took all that nature spared; He raped the lands and over bred, took hold of all he saw, Self-centered in his preservation … made his word, the law. It mattered not, the consequence, he moved along with speed, Devouring the creatures and the land that grew his seed; He's taken down the borders, claimed the forests as his own, And heaven help the strays who cross the line where man has grown. Through stranglehold of industry and urban swell, they sink, A world of inhumanities, now push them to the brink; Though once they dwelled in harmony, amidst untainted lands, Now paths are traced toward extinction, at the hands of man. Too often, we are hardened, told that progress has a cost, But if you choose to look beyond, you'll see what we have lost; Some weep at this destruction from behind their window panes, While others choose to close their eyes and hang their heads in shame. I beg you, open up your eyes, and raise your heads up high, For if you do, you'll see this devastation gone awry, And if you pause to listen … truly listen, with your heart, You'll hear the cries of nature as she's simply torn apart. We have so much to lose, and yet there's so much more to gain, We have to mend this broken world - we have to end this pain. The prairies, mountains, forests, streams, the oceans … this is home, To "all" the creatures in this world … it is not man's alone. Speak up and let your voice be heard, to those who sit in power, Don't wait another moment, for we're losing more each hour. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
A good reminder of what we need to do, and why... well done, Kit! |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
I'm not proud of my cynicism but I fear that it may already be too late. What cataclysmic event will it take for man to break from the selfish habits of eons? This doesn't mean I give up or encourage anyone else to, for if that were the case I'd promote bohemian heathenism, but if even in our "sophisticated" status on this planet we are incapable of righting ourselves then what hope that we ever will? In any event, you post a very good poem on a very serious subject. Enjoyed. "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve" |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, All true a wonderful write. |
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Blue December New Member
since 2001-07-19
Posts 5 |
Kit, This is the first poem I read when stumbling upon this forum, and it's a lovely threshold of great impression. I love the wonderful, even rhythm you wrote with and your exquisite language. An excellent poem of truth and thought! There is no grand design that limits what we can be, or guarentees it coming. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ Such an impassioned write. Strikes a chord of need that all should take heed. Strongly written, Kit~ Just what we need. *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Logan Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641Arkansas |
Very very nice, Kit, hmmm, didn't someone say that ONE person can't take prayer out of schools? and to however one looks at that to their own feelings, it was done. My point is simply that what you say is worth going for..very good job..very gentle smile |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
It mattered not, the consequence, he moved along with speed, Devouring the creatures and the land that grew his seed; He's taken down the borders, claimed the forests as his own, And heaven help the strays who cross the line where man has grown. Through stranglehold of industry and urban swell, they sink, A world of inhumanities, now push them to the brink; Though once they dwelled in harmony, amidst untainted lands, Now paths are traced toward extinction, at the hands of man. Too often, we are hardened, told that progress has a cost, But if you choose to look beyond, you'll see what we have lost; Some weep at this destruction from behind their window panes, While others choose to close their eyes and hang their heads in shame. ================================== powerful words of stark truths Kit... we reap what we sow... cadence kissed wisdom from your gifted pen well done poetess of rhyme divine  only you could give love that satisfies the soul... |
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illusion Member
since 2001-06-19
Posts 296 |
Your cry for change and caring is powerful and poignant and written beautifully. [This message has been edited by illusion (edited 07-20-2001).] |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
powerful and poignant exquisitely written |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
From some who chained themself to save a tree, I say to you dear lady - Bravo! (and the old tree got saved by the way). ~ You do this dance only once ~ |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you for all the lovely replies everyone. Some days, it just "hurts" to be human, ya know? (and Sharon - I'm glad you did that  )Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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MARK V SHELDON Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 3015In a corporeal internship... |
Boy do I know what you mean, Kit -- "Some days it just hurts to be human"... embarrassing and shaming. You have written a very important message in an eloquent presentation and encouraged us to do our part. Thank you. -MVS "When you tell the Truth, you never have to remember what you just said." |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
Sincerely well outspoken concerns here. I love and live in the country. And the animals have the right of way! And the trees are sacred bearers of shade.But I hate the way the roads are littered by trash, and the lakes are poisoned by chemicals. Our community has really picked up and went with the "keep our environment clean" But it is so tough. There is a picture of a fox, on the park ranger's wall, that got his head stuck in a food can as a puppy. His head grew to the shape of the can! He was caught and it was removed but his head horribly mishapen. He is still out there somewhere. But I find that the animals take better care of their offspring and environment than we do. Saddly, so very shaming isn't it. Sincerely, Rwood |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
This is excelllent writing Kit...interesting how mankind finds a way to justify in their minds every move they make. And so we felt justified to embargo oil to Japan and then they felt justified to bomb Pearl Harbor and then we felt justified to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. And then they wonder why there is gang violence and why they feel justified to kill each other in retaliation. Human nature can get us into lots of trouble...and it has...and it will...because we can justify our actions no matter how silly or how destructive...James |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Mother Naure could not have a better spokesperson than you, Kit. This is brilliant  |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
you are so right....as nature lay near to my heart. And this poem will find her place in my library. Charisma |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you again everyone ... you in turn have given me much to think about also, and I so appreciate that. Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
A wonderful write Kit, and so true, I am sure that most of us have written on the subject, but powers to be don't listen as we all do not promote enough action to take place, it is amazing that over such a short time the destruction that man has done to the world, I am sure the effects of it we are already feeling, what will it be in ten years time? What needs to happen, what are we all prepared to do? Great write Kit Rick |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Now my dear friend, you know that I couldn't let this one go by because of the title or the poet who conceived it. What a fantastic write and of course on a matter that means much to my heart. You put it wonderfully as always and I consider myself treated today to be able to read one of your works. Now of course you know what time it is. Yeah, youi guessed it. Just use your talent with the following phrase somewhere in EACH verse. " With clay between my toes ... I hear with my heart. " Have fun my poetic friend of challenges. |
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wandering glider Senior Member
since 2001-04-04
Posts 501aloft |
Kit, I've been by here several times now, each time trying to find some positive, encouraging words to add to your well written plea. Unfortunately, having been a close observer for all of my life and in a related career for many years, I fear that your plea is an epitaph. I so wish that were not the case, but the human animal has lost personal contact with this living planet and no longer cares or even knows how to care. Perhaps if we had cultivated a culture that could feel about it the way you do, well, maybe things would be different. There is great pain here... \\ |
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Saunni Senior Member
since 2000-07-11
Posts 1777West Virginia |
Kit, indeed this is a very powerful write! So much enjoyed! Sauni Sauni @~~~>~~ |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Rick, Wandering Glider, Saunni, you have spoken of the plight that we all seem to see and yet feel so helpless to correct. As Wandering Glider noted ... it can read as an epitaph of sorts, so very true, and so very sad for us. Thank you for giving me so much more to think about on this delicate subject. With much appreciation, /Kit |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Ah dear Mark ... where on "earth" have you been my sweet friend? Thank you for the kind words ... and yes indeed, for the wonderful challenge. I've missed you! Your challenges have gotten tougher over time, LOL ... OK, so I was to use the following phrase somewhere in EACH verse: "With clay between my toes ... I hear with my heart". A "little" divergence, but we'll call that poetic licence? Here you go my friend, for you:I walk along the river's edge, with clay between my toes, And hear within my heart, my love of nature, in repose; A song, a chirp, a lovely trill, a serenade of kind, To lift my spirits, cleanse my soul, rejuvenate my mind. I turn to see in beauty there, a robin on the ground, With clay between her toes, she hears within her heart the sounds, That vibrate through her tiny feet, the worms beneath the soil, She bobs and hops along the shore, delighted in her toil. Amidst the earth that she has stirred, a lizard slithers by, With clay between his toes, he hears within his heart, my sigh; He pauses, perched and on alert for unfamiliar sounds, Then carries on along his way, in search of higher ground. I smile as modest water bugs, drift softly to the edge, And land ashore without a thought, to scramble on the ledge; With clay between their toes, they hear within their heart, a call, That sends them back into the water, where I watch enthralled. In fascination, as I gaze upon the traffic played, Upon this little stretch of ground, such beauty is displayed; With clay between my toes, I hear within my heart's refrain, The song of nature's harmony, amidst this sweet terrain. /Kit |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Your words of wisdom resound, Kit... If I ever need someone to speak for me, it'll surely be you... Nature's Champion, you are... |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Enjoyed your poem to Mark Kit, you seem to relish in a challenge, it is lovely and shows more of your talent coming through. Rick |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Kit, A wonderful message in beautiful poetic form. This should be published somewhere to be seen by many as a reminder what each of us could do. A tribute to nature and it's marvels Liz |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I was so wrapped up in your beautiful words that I didn't even notice the perfection with which they were written until the third reading. *S* This epitomizes excellence, Kit... in both form and content. *S* And even as I read Mark's challenge, I knew you'd answer it with flair... and you didn't disappoint. *S* Great writing! |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Kit... I read your challenge reply to Mark on phone this morn... he has limited computer access right now.. he just got to visit for a short time yesterday... anyway...he says to tell you Thank you for indulging him, and that you surpassed his expectations, as he knew that phrase was gonna be a test... and he says what ever poetic license and divergence you took worked like a charm. Your poem was a delight to his love of both imagery and nature. He says you get an A+ and a hug later always up to the challenge gator LOL jm |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks so much Nan, Rick, Liz, Suthern, JM and Mark ... you are all so encouraging, and I'm so very grateful. And JM? Give Mark a big hug back for me ... I really enjoyed it. Let him know I laughed right out loud when I read it the first time wondering how on earth I'd come up with anything out of that phrase, LOL ... it was great fun ... I think the ideas Mark comes up with are a treat just in themselves, LOL. Always my sincere pleasure, and it was wonderful to hear from him, thanks for letting me know. Big hugs. Much appreciation to all, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 07-24-2001).] |
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