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Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
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Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2001-08-13 08:24 AM


Is This All There Is?

I ponder far too often what has brought me to this place,
I find myself in endless loops, alone while questions race.
I do not understand my purpose. Why do I exist?
How did I come to be?  What is the lesson in all this?

I watch the insignificance of daily life unfurl,
Forsaken to the sidelines, looking in upon the world.
I see the plastic people move about their daily lives,
Their motions seem mechanical, their actions feel contrived.

I find I try to blend into this awkward mortal realm,
Performing for an audience … my senses overwhelm;
Synthetic shell in turmoil - face is painted, smiling bright,
While hiding my frustrations as I slowly lose the fight.

An emptiness has followed me relentlessly it seems,
A void that swallows all my passion … all my hopes and dreams;
It's heaviness unyielding, builds restrictions and confines,
To keep me in this self-inflicted prison of my mind.

Surrounded by my chaos, isolated by my fears,
The questions haunt my peace of mind, dissolving me to tears.
I wonder if it's only me … a flaw in my design,
Unable to enjoy the simple pleasures others find.

Incapable of breaking free, suppressing what I can,
I play the part of someone else … I smother who I am;
I'm stifled by the walls I've built, and slowly suffocate …
Please tell me … is this all there is? Is this to be my fate?

/Kit McCallum

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 08-13-2001).]

© Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
EagleOne
Member Elite
since 2000-03-07
Posts 2829
Between a laugh and a tear...
1 posted 2001-08-13 08:29 AM


You are not the only one my friend, and yes, there is more!

"Let me pierce the realm of glamour
So I know just what I am." ~ Van Morrison


Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2001-08-13 08:32 AM



Good questions, but I think you already have the answers....and I am glad you took a little time out for yourself to compose this one!

SEA
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Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
3 posted 2001-08-13 09:52 AM


Kit~ this is fantastic, so many of us can relate.....

"Incapable of breaking free, suppressing what I can,
I play the part of someone else … I smother who I am;"

you take care of you  

Jeffrey Carter
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Member Elite
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367
State of constant confusion!
4 posted 2001-08-13 10:08 AM


"Is this all there is?"

A question I have often pondered, and yet i still strive to find the truth. Will we ever know the answer? Only time will tell!

Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
5 posted 2001-08-13 12:19 PM


Hi Kit,

You simply amaze me with your mind and your words, you have caught on paper what I have thought and done for so long and the answer I do not have, I do know you are very busy  of late and I believe you should for sure take as much time out for your self as you can, cause you are WORTH IT!! best wishes sent to you from me,

Love, Cerenity

"God doesn't have to be reminded that we exist.
We have to be reminded that He exist!"

(Writer Unknown)



Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
6 posted 2001-08-13 12:20 PM


Thoughts, I'm sure we all ponder from time to time
I'm attaching a poem i found many years ago, that speaks from similar thoughts, It offers no answers, but provides a slightly different perspective ...
... author Unknown ...
~~~
Life passes along with an armfull of things
Which Helter Skelter to mortals she flings
And some her tokens are pleasant to gain
While others are heavily freighted with pain
But hoping for pleasures some gather up woes
For the richest and poorest
must take what she throws
~
Some of us fancy that life should be kind
and toss us the joys we are eager to find
She has them in plenty on men to bestow
For others got blessings we're eager to know
But life dosen't ask what we wish as she goes
Be it pleasure or grief
we must take what she throws
~
With sorrow and pleasure
with hopes and with fears
with comfort and pain
and with smiles and with tears
Life passes along and she scatters them all
Nor heeds just on whom
or just where they may fall
And rich men and poor men and subjects and kings
must take as their portion
what ever she flings
~
So wise is the man who builds strength for his care
and faith for the sorrows all mortals must bear
Who looks not to life for her pleasures alone
But knows that with joys many heartaches are thrown
Fools are ready for laughter but down through the years
Only strong men and wise
men are ready for tears
~~~

[This message has been edited by Rex Allen McCoy (edited 08-13-2001).]

Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
7 posted 2001-08-13 12:41 PM



Oh, Kit, this is so powerfully expressed.  Your talent awes me, and I relate all too well to your words - if only you knew.  My library must have this, in fact, I'm also printing it out~

Take care,
Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

8 posted 2001-08-13 01:18 PM


An emptiness has followed me relentlessly it seems,
A void that swallows all my passion … all my hopes and dreams;
It's heaviness unyielding, builds restrictions and confines,
To keep me in this self-inflicted prison of my mind.

Surrounded by my chaos, isolated by my fears,
The questions haunt my peace of mind, dissolving me to tears.
I wonder if it's only me … a flaw in my design,
Unable to enjoy the simple pleasures others find.

Incapable of breaking free, suppressing what I can,
I play the part of someone else … I smother who I am;
I'm stifled by the walls I've built, and slowly suffocate …
Please tell me … is this all there is? Is this to be my fate?
===============================

So that WAS you in my mirror this morn  
your rhymes rock Kit-girlie...
and the emotional purge of this hits close to home and plays the heartstrings...
and as Sy and Lizzie (wisdom and grace)
said to me on my purge....
The answer lies inside of you(me)....
we just have to be able to look that deep without fearing the reflection we are going to see.
Write it out Kit...its part of the process.
me

I know no one is to blame
In time youll feel strength when you call my name
I know Ill never hold you again
And I know Ill never be the same
VH

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
9 posted 2001-08-13 01:28 PM


Kit~
So nice to have you treat us to another well-composed piece~

You blend just fine gal~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

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

illusion
Member
since 2001-06-19
Posts 296

10 posted 2001-08-13 01:37 PM


You ask the questions asked by many - but do so with finesse in a fantastic, flawless poem. Beautiful!  
Martie
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
11 posted 2001-08-13 01:45 PM


Kit--I think all of us feel this way from time to time..the trick is to be open for the lessons that abound in adversity.  Wonderfully written poem!
JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
12 posted 2001-08-13 02:31 PM


I usually feel like this after a failed relationship.   I want to love but get no love in return...so then if nobody wants me or needs me what is my purpose...I'm kindof in one of those moods right now...James
Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
13 posted 2001-08-13 04:53 PM


A fantastic piece so many can identify with Kit, and the answers are always inside aren't they?  Great job of this one.

To see real beauty ~ close your eyes and listen
   ~* Mysteria *~

Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
14 posted 2001-08-13 09:36 PM


in the words of a great song....

"If that's all there is, my friend,
Then let's go dancing...
We'll break out the booze
and have a ball
if that's all
there is.....

I've got the booze, Kit. Get those dancing shoes on....

CMGrimm
Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685
USA
15 posted 2001-08-14 01:56 AM


I really like this one...

chris

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



Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
16 posted 2001-08-14 06:01 AM


***Do you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you? I hope so!  Many {{{Hugs}}} to you all, for being the wonderful group of poet friends that you are. Hugs, hugs, hugs***

EagleOne:  I'm glad I'm not the only one, but sad at the same time … I'll watch for more, thanks EagleOne. Hugs.  

Karilea:  You're right Karilea, it did feel good to take time to write this one out, though I'm afraid I don't have the answers as yet. Hugs.  

SEA:  I'll try Susan … thank you so much for these kind thoughts, much appreciated. Hugs.  

Jeffrey:  I hope time hurries up Jeffrey, some days it's just seems so frustrating. Thank you for these thoughts. Hugs.  

Cerenity:  Thank you so very much for the encouraging words Cerenity. I've been feeling pretty down lately, and this means a lot to me. Hugs to you.  

Rex:  Thank you for these lovely thoughts and words Rex, it's a wonderful perspective, and I appreciate you taking the time to copy this here for me, I really did enjoy it. Much appreciated. Big hugs.  

Melissa:  I'm glad you enjoyed Melissa, and thank you for these kind words, I'm very grateful to you. Hugs.  

Janet Marie:  We're on both sides of the looking glass again JM?  If so, I can't think of a lovelier reflection … thank you for being such a sweetheart. Many hugs gator gal.  

Marge:  Wish I could blend my work and play a little better Marge, some days the work side is just too overwhelming. Many hugs to you in return.    

Illusion:  Thank you for these lovely thought Illusion, they are very much appreciated. Hugs.  

Martie:  This is beautiful advice Martie, and I will try to remember this. Thank you for this, I'm grateful to you. Many hugs.  

James:  I understand this mood James, and I'm sorry you're feeling the same. I hope you'll soon be happy again. Hugs.  

Mysteria:  I think they are inside Sharon, but I think my biggest problem is that I won't listen …  thanks for the kind words (and the beautiful pictures the other day … you are an amazing and incredible artist). Hugs to you.  

Balladeer:   I can't place the song, but I heard the message.  I'm a cheap date Michael, no fancy liquor, just a Labatt's Blue Light will do fine. Dancing shoes are ready.   Many hugs to you sweet poet.    

CMGrimm:  Thanks so much Chris, I'm glad you enjoyed this, and I'm grateful. Hugs.  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 08-14-2001).]

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
17 posted 2001-08-14 07:35 PM



Kit-
   I always love it when I find one of
   your treasures to read.
   It certainly can be difficult at times
   to find that balance, and not lose yourself
   in the everyday workings of life.
   I hope you're able to find the answers
   you're looking for.
   Thanks for taking the time to pen this
   one and share it with us.

   Hugs,
   ~vicky


"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes



howpeculiar
Member
since 2000-12-12
Posts 56

18 posted 2001-08-14 09:00 PM


Oh, yes, feeling this muchly at the moment. If I were to have the strength to pen something of my thoughts the past few days? This would be it. You're not alone by far, Ms. Kit, though wouldn't it be somehow a relief to know you were sometimes?
  
Days pass in and out, and often OVER us, and the mundane and the struggles creep up from behind and catch you when you don't expect it... but you find that the frustration fades instead of yourself. You'll get through your down spot, we all do... it’s only a matter of time, will, and perspective.

And if it’s not too presumptuous? *HUGS* There seems to be a mighty need for those lately…

Denise
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since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

19 posted 2001-08-14 09:28 PM


Fantastic writing, Kit! Yep, I'm sure we've all been there!
vandana
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Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
20 posted 2001-08-14 09:42 PM


enjoy
shadow of the fall
Member
since 2001-08-13
Posts 83
Indiana
21 posted 2001-08-14 10:16 PM


Well, I wouldn't say this is I didn't mean it...you have talent.  I mean real talent.
This is well done.

RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

22 posted 2001-08-14 11:39 PM


For all that's all there is, though we are all alone...together.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve"

Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
23 posted 2001-08-15 07:41 AM


Great big {{{hugs}}} to everyone for these beautiful thoughts and encouragement, thank you!

Vicky:  Awww, thank you Vicky … this means so much to me, I very much appreciate these lovely thoughts. Hugs to you.  

Howpeculiar:  You're so very right … though at times it's good to know we're not "alone", it is a relief to know we are sometimes … and days running "over" us? You've captured it perfectly, not too presumptuous at all, thank you for these understanding thoughts Howpeculiar (love your pen name by the way). Big Hugs to you.  

Denise:  Thanks so much Denise for understanding … I'm sure we've all been there time and again … poetic souls seem to be the most vulnerable, don't they?  Many hugs to you.  

Vandana:  Thank you for enjoying Vandana, I'm very appreciative. Hugs to you.  

shadow of the fall:  Thank you so very much Shadow, what a lovely and encouraging things to say, much appreciated. Hugs.  

RSWells:  Ahhh, beautifully said RSWells, thank you so much for understanding, I am very grateful. Many hugs.  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
24 posted 2001-08-15 07:24 PM


When it comes to sharing a feeling in poetic grace and beauty ... not many can do it as well as you.  Wonderfully written and the you know I love the rhyme but what I like most about your works is that I constantly learn to be better myself through them.  Now as for the ? ... NOT HARDLY!!!!!!!!!!!

If this was all there is then there would be NO CHALLENGE and we both know that just couldn't possibly be!!!!!!

Since I know you are SOOOOOOOOOOO ready for one, here you go.

A Sonnet, from the eyes of a teen about the first kiss from her first love.  

There you go.  Have fun.

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
25 posted 2001-08-15 11:04 PM


Ah Mark ... I hope you know how much I appreciate you, and have missed you.  

Thank you so much for these beautiful sentiments, and as always ... for challenging me to better "myself".  Funny, but I was terrified of the day you would choose a Sonnet, LOL ... I only tried one once, and didn't get the daDUMS right. I hope I've done you proud this time my friend.  

Here you go (I popped it into Adult, although it was likely tame enough for Open, LOL) /main/forumdisplay.cgi?action=displayprivate&number=5&topic=002556

Much appreciation and many hugs to you dear friend,
/Kit

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

26 posted 2001-08-17 06:47 AM


Kit....
Mark asked me to reply for him...
hes not sure if he will get on puter today...

first of all he says thank you  for always endulging him and his challenges...
and he was impressed how fast you met it...
and he LOVED your sonnet and said it was perfect and was soft and romantic...
(didnt have to be posted in adult)
and he says the fact that you did write it so quickly must mean sonnets had no fear for you and your gift for cadence...
we knew you'd make it look easy  
away cool Kit-gator...you are the best.
  
Beautiful write of a first kiss and young love  
love ya lady
Mark and JM

Feels like Im dancin with truth and wisdom
Precious rhythm you are my guide
These days are sacred, my heart is humble
Oh warrior show me thy light

tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
27 posted 2001-08-17 07:19 AM


Hi Kit my friend
You have written this with such emotion, emotions that we have all felt I'm sure from time to time...I hope all is well hon, keep on writing it's a great escape and outlet. excellent write
~HUGS~ Tracie

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



Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
28 posted 2001-08-17 07:20 AM


Thank you JM, and please send my hugs to Mark. I enjoy his challenges so. He keeps me on my toes, and trying new things .... I love that. I had to run into Nan's Poetry Workshop on a mad search for her Sonnet explanations again, LOL, then "beat it out" with fingers and toes, ROFL.  

Much appreciation and a whole bunch of hugs to you both,
/Kit

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
29 posted 2001-08-17 07:24 AM


Hi Tracie ... you must have been responding while I was typing above. Thanks so much for the kind words and lovely thoughts. I'm doing OK ... trying to make time for poetry amongst a heavy workload ... but you're so very right, poetry is a wonderful escape, and I'd be lost without it. Thanks for enjoying, many hugs!  

Much appreciation,
/Kit

MissGypsiNess
Junior Member
since 2001-07-02
Posts 21
MyWay - The HighWay
30 posted 2001-08-17 08:21 AM


Yet each insignificant day unfurls to be compiled with all the rest - to the ultimate summation of a very significant lifetime... This is beautifully done, my friend.. I enjoyed..
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
31 posted 2001-08-17 08:22 AM


LOL - I think I'll take off my disguise now - it isn't a very good one anyway...
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
32 posted 2001-08-18 07:43 AM


MissGypsiNess, Nan:  Thanks so much for enjoying ... each day does add up indeed, very beautifully stated. Hugs to you my friend.  

Much appreciation,
/Kit

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