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Open Poetry #15
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Pick Me Up
| Open Poetry #15 |
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Pick Me Up |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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Pick Me Up I walked alone from work to home, was weary from my day, My feet were dragging, head was down, I brooded on my way; I saw the feet of others pass, but did not catch their eyes, I wore a frown, kept looking down, and heaved some heavy sighs. I walked that way for several blocks, until I came across, A piece of paper on the ground that someone must have lost. The card from several feet above, was easy to make out, The writing was so big and bold … as if it tried to shout! It said to "PICK ME UP" and had "IMPORTANT" at the top, Now even in my sour mood … it gave me pause to stop. I hesitated, thought it rude, and waited for a time, Perplexed by such an order - curiosity was primed. I glanced around, saw no one near, and bent to reach for it, The card was worn and slightly faded, torn and ripped a bit. I picked it up and turned it over … all it said was "SMILE", I stared at it, my face a blank, it had me quite beguiled. I analyzed it far too much, as well I tend to do, I wondered of the sorry soul who needed this, it's true; From all it's ragged edges, it had surely been well read, How sad that someone needed this, to lighten up their dread. I flipped it over several times and looked around again, When suddenly, I noticed yet a second card just then; I only paused a moment, picked it up without a thought, And wondered in a pointless sigh, the message I'd be taught. I squinted at the tiny print, so different from the first, It was instructions that I found, it rhymed in flowing verse; And then ... as if by magic, I could feel my mouth transform, The corners tilted slowly, till a grin began to form. I wondered who had dropped the cards and laughed despite myself, I placed one card back on the ground, then walked five paces out; I set the other card back down, and read it with a smile, "IMPORTANT PICK-ME-UP" it yelled … and there I grinned a while. I walked away, the cards behind, their message though remained, Their simple clear instructions kept repeating through my brain ... "A smile can be contagious, it can brighten up your day, And this is to remind you friend ... it's never far away. A little grin, a twinkle in your eye is all I ask, A howdy-do to others with a smile as you both pass. When you are finished reading, drop one card and take 5 steps, Then drop this other card to leave this message for the next." I followed those instructions that the author meekly asked, It really wasn't much at all … a rather simple task; I nodded at a passerby, I flashed a giant grin, My head held high, I caught their eye, they smiled right back and then ... A second, third and fourth … contagious! Oh, my heart was warmed, With every smile I offered out, blank faces were transformed; No longer feeling weary, nor alone, I walked along, I greeted every person with a grin a mile long! I wondered at my fortune … at this little stroke of luck … Two little cards reminding me, that "I" can "Pick-ME-Up".  /Kit McCallum [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 08-20-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
Thanks, I needed that. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Wonderful Kit...is this a true story or from your smiling imagination? James |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, Bravo an excellent write I always enjoy your poetry. Smiling Sy |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
You certainly made me smile as I read this delightfully written poem. I really appreciate the way you presented this age old simple philosophy in such an exquisite manner. I smile to you as I write this! Have a nice day and don't let me hear tell of you getting in trouble for littering!! ethome |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Oh,Kit~ How delightful is the smile you gave us all to wear~  This had to give you as big a smile as it has given me ! And that's H U G E !  Love ya' gal~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Oh you are so COOL!! and YOU KNOW I am smiling at YOU for this... and YOU KNOW WHY!!! YOU...my queen of cadence are and will always be .... A SMILE WAITING TO HAPPEN!!!!  and this poem couldnt be any cooler..clever..or creative as well as damn cute  Wonderful poetry Kit-girlie.... rhyme divine with a message for all time.  jmFeels like Im dancin with truth and wisdom |
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shadow974 Senior Member
since 2001-06-21
Posts 636Michigan |
Wonderfully written and a big thank you. Pass it on, it's contageous. Throw your heart out in front of you |
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Eloise Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096Wyoming |
Oh it is contagious! By the end of this read I had a big smile. Thank you Kit. This was wonderful |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Wonderful write my friend...my wife habitually walks around looking down...maybe I'll try this trick in the house...hmmm, what a number of things I could say. Thanks... jwesley |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Duncan: You are most welcome Duncan. Thank you for the kind words (I needed that too) James: 'Tis a figment of my imagination only James …. but perhaps we can put it to the reality test LOL. Thanks for enjoying! Seymour: Always wonderful to hear from you Sy, I always enjoy "you". Thanks so much for the lovely thoughts! Ethome: Oh, I'm so glad you're smiling, and ROFL at the litter bug line. Many thanks Eric, much appreciated! Marge: Ah thank you, thank you, thank you for the giant smile Marge … I'm wearing it right now! Hugs to you! Janet Marie: LOL … I think JM, that you are possibly one of the coolest people "I" know gator gal … smiles happen all around whenever you're nearby … they just can't help it! Many hugs! shadow974: I'm passing, I'm passing! This is one bug I'm happy to pass along, thank you Shadow! Eloise: Big, big smiles in return to you Eloise, thank you so much for this … it's lovely to see you! Jwesley: Thank you so much for the kind words James, and please come back and tell me if it works, LOL. Much appreciation to all, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 08-18-2001).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This is so YOU, Kit. A beautiful tale, flawlessly told. The only pick-me-up I ever need is one of your poems |
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shadow of the fall Member
since 2001-08-13
Posts 83Indiana |
you are a real talented writer, this is so cool! I love it! Karen |
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CocoBaci Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043 |
Hiya PoetFriendKit, ya know every time I open up a poem you write it leaves me with a feeling my heart has been hugged and whatever had cluttered my mind for that instant is gone and I can turn here into a reply box and say to you thank you so very much for sharing your gift with all of us... This is an excellent write... MuaahNhugs2uSweetFriend *~coco~* |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Kit I live in Vancouver, where they walk with their heads buried as well, and being from the Prairies where everyone says good day to each other, I still do it whether they like it or not! The surprised looks here would astound you! But...you are right, it is catchy, as I turn around to see them looking at me like I am nuts, and they are smiling too, so I can relate. And...you made me with this one! If you have but one true friend when you die you were truly blessed |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
{grins} a little pick me up with a BTTT.... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Balladeer: Awww ... you're so sweet .... and the only pick-me-up I need is to read "you" Michael, thank you sweet poet (and for your delightful responses in a few recent threads) Shadow of the fall: Thank you so much for these encouraging words Shadow, very much appreciated! Coco: Oh, this is so lovely Coco ... I do believe I just got my heart hugged from "you" in return, thank you so much! Mysteria: I can relate Sharon ... it's funny how our reactions reflect back on us in equal measure isn't it? Thanks for enjoying, and hugs to you! Sunshine: LOL ... you've picked-me-up Karilea ... thank you! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Cadence kissed smiles for all it seems. What a wonderful and uplifting write and done so in your mastery of poetic expression. See, even the sidewalks of life know to challenge you to get at your best. LOL Beautiful and happy write my friend of challenges and so well written. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Mark: Awww ... well you've got me smilin' for sure Mark, many thanks and hugs for this lovely reply! Take care you. Much appreciation, /Kit |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, I picked this up...but I couldn't put it down. Another in the poetry bank to share with my friends. Sin isn't fair, but God got even, grace isn't fair either. larry c |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Larry: I'm so glad I could give you a little pick me up! Please do pass it around Larry ... the more smiles, the merrier! Much appreciation and many thanks, /Kit |
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Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
Kit. I have been going back through the archieves, this morning, when I came upon this poem of your. It really touched me. I sat here and thought about it a few minutes. You are an amazing poet. I have always enjoyed your poems. It gave me a smile just reading it. Thank you! |
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