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Open Poetry #16
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Kit McCallum
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0 posted 2001-09-19 11:29 PM


Could This Be Me?

I looked into the mirror,
And I shrank from what I saw,
A shadow of my former self,
I gaped at "her" in awe.

It was not her appearance,
Though she looked the worse for wear,
It was the lack of something
That appeared no longer there.

A sadness had enveloped her,
Where once her smile had shone,
A loss of hope behind her eyes …
Her spark and glimmer gone.

Who was this person gazing back?
I thought I knew her well …
She was my alter-ego,
Now I stared at her, compelled.

I blamed her for the problems
That had found me over time,
My loss of will, the endless tears,
The mountains I had climbed.

She offered no resistance,
Explanations did not come …
She simply mimicked all I did,
A thought that struck me numb.

Could she be me? Could I be her?
I waved my hand about …
She waved right back in perfect time,
'Twas "me", without a doubt.

I leaned in t'ward the looking glass,
And grimaced as "she" bent ...
A parody of all I was,
Of all that I had meant.

I "am" this poor disheveled mess,
I "am" this spoof I see …
I "am" this inept imitation
Staring back at me.

My image blended then and there,
My world became undone,
Now all "she" was and all "I" am,
Are wrapped up into one.

I have nowhere to place the blame,
I cannot run and hide,
For all along, the fault was mine …
'Twas to "myself" I lied.


/Kit McCallum

© Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2001-09-19 11:41 PM


Oh,Kit~
Such a poignant piece~
Love n' hugs~
~*Marge*~

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

SEA
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with you
2 posted 2001-09-20 12:03 PM


wow Kit....wow
I've felt like this too
never been able to put it like this
wow
excellent

Mysteria
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3 posted 2001-09-20 12:17 PM


You spoke my life Kit!  I wonder how many others that read this will identify with all the time wasted at being "her" and forgetting about "us"?  Extremely well done, and thought provoking, and I hope a lot get your message.

~* If you want a rainbow, sometimes you just have to put up with a little rain *~

EagleOne
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since 2000-03-07
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Between a laugh and a tear...
4 posted 2001-09-20 03:53 AM


Wow! Very well expressed, take care!

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


tracie66
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since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
5 posted 2001-09-20 06:28 AM


Hi there Kit  
This is a very well expressed piece and one I could relate to indeed. take care hon
~HUGS~ Tracie

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



Rick
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since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia
6 posted 2001-09-20 07:46 AM


Dear Kit, I love the the way you write, you always express yourself so well, and in this piece you have drawn us all to our image selves, the part of us that others see, to ourselves we are all that we think of and all that we do, we walk not with our image on show to ourselves.
This piece was wonderful, filled with rhyme that I love and skill that we all work toward.
Be kinder to your image, it is of a person of heart and compassion which others can see.

Great write Kit.

Sincerely
Rick

Nan
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7 posted 2001-09-20 08:13 AM


I love introspective pieces about our own reflections - Yours is truly wonderful, Kit..
Janet Marie
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since 2000-01-22
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8 posted 2001-09-20 08:58 AM


I leaned in t'ward the looking glass,
And grimaced as "she" bent ...
A parody of all I was,
Of all that I had meant.

I "am" this poor disheveled mess,
I "am" this spoof I see …
I "am" this inept imitation
Staring back at me.

My image blended then and there,
My world became undone,
Now all "she" was and all "I" am,
Are wrapped up into one.

I have nowhere to place the blame,
I cannot run and hide,
For all along, the fault was mine …
'Twas to "myself" I lied.
===============================


So...that WAS you in my mirror  
Dear Alice of the looking glass
In time this reflection will come to pass
Look beyond the doubt and misery ...
look at that smile...then see the beauty that we see.
heart hugs Kit-girlie

Well tomorrow holds only mystery
And who's to say what might be
But in you I found a love so strong
The sun and the moon looked on in jealousy

Gentle Spirit
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since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

9 posted 2001-09-20 09:27 AM


Oh Kit I know this all to well, and within it I too have learned that lesson that being true to ourselves is the greatest gift that we can give ourselves.  This is a keeper for my treasure box, thank you.

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

(I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~Garth)

Seymour Tabin
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Tamarac Fla
10 posted 2001-09-20 09:57 AM


Kit,
Excellent write. Mirror, mirror on the wall
whose the fairest of them all? And there she was. *L*

Elizabeth Santos
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since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
11 posted 2001-09-20 11:41 AM


A wonderful write, Kit
Most can relate to this image
And you expressed it so well
Superb
lzi

Honeybee
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since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
12 posted 2001-09-20 11:55 AM



Extremely well expressed, Kit! Your poems are always introspective and stirring.

Your words hit hard, this has been my life for a long time now~

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~

Apachecat906
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since 2001-09-04
Posts 217
Michigan, USA
13 posted 2001-09-20 12:06 PM


I can only agree with all of the other comments! This was an Excellent description of that wierd feeling that has kept me from looking in the mirror lately.  This was a great and thoughful poem. I dont know much about poetry but I always am drawn to the poems that make a person "reflect"  

Thanks,
Carrie

nakdthoughts
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Between the Lines
14 posted 2001-09-20 12:35 PM


a perect feel of mine today...you did this well, rhyme, reason and it's song...I don't know if you are feeling like this at the moment..but it captured my mirrored view perfectly..if I was Alice through Glass, I couldn't have written it any  better..

hugsss kit for a fine poem
~Wynter/Maureen

"The worst prison would be a closed heart".
...Pope John Paul II



The Rusty Knight
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since 2001-08-29
Posts 414
Texas
15 posted 2001-09-20 12:36 PM


Sometimes when we look in a mirror we look deep and rally see ourselves....we have been looking in the same mirror and you have put into words what I could not put into thoughts.

Death comes not when we cease to breathe, but when we cease to dream.

Martie
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California
16 posted 2001-09-20 01:09 PM


Oh Kit, you write so well, and you thought you were alone looking into yourself like that...seems not.  Wonderful poem!
2dalimit
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since 2000-02-08
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Mississippi coast
17 posted 2001-09-20 01:23 PM


I enjoyed this very much.
It reminds me of THE MAN IN THE GLASS, By Dale Wimbrow? Have you read it?

Melton


vlraynes
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since 2000-07-25
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Somewhere... out there...
18 posted 2001-09-20 11:17 PM



Kit-
  Wow!  This is excellent!!
  Wonderfully penned and VERY powerful!
  Much enjoyed, my friend.
  Hugs,
  ~Vicky


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

Balladeer
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19 posted 2001-09-20 11:29 PM


Kit, it sounds like you're beside yourself!!   When I look in the mirror my father looks back at me!  

You expressed a very deep emotion in your usual impeccable style...well done once again!  

Songbird
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since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184
Missouri
20 posted 2001-09-21 12:28 PM


I think we all are doing a little soul searching within ourselves these days. I know I am.
Kit McCallum
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Ontario, Canada
21 posted 2001-09-21 07:26 AM


You know ... I thought long and hard before posting this one, because I didn't think anyone would understand what I was trying to say - it felt very scattered to me.  I hope you all know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. You've lifted my spirits tremendously.  

Marge:  Thank you for the warm hugs and sweet response my friend. You are a wonderful person.  

SEA:  Thanks so much for your enthusiastic understanding Susan, much appreciated.  

Mysteria: Thank you very much for your insight and kinds words Sharon, both here and in your e-mail. Many hugs to you.  

EagleOne:  I'm glad you enjoyed EagleOne, many thanks.  

Tracie: Thank you for understanding Tracie, I'm grateful for your kind response.  

Rick: What a beautiful response Rick ... you've warmed my heart with these kind and encouraging words, thank you so much.  

Nan:  I enjoy writing introspective peices Nan, they sometimes help me to work things out in my mind that I may not otherwise be able to. Many thanks to you.  

Janet Marie: Such beautiful responses from you JM ... you always give me such a wonderful and warm hug through your words. Thank you gator-gal.  

Gentle Spirit:  Thank you for these encouraging words Gentle Spirit, I'm so glad you enjoyed.  

Seymour:  What a sweet response Sy ... thank you for giving me the smile I'm wearing right now.  

Elizabeth:  Thank you for this lovely response Liz, I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece dear sister of mine.  

Melissa: I'm glad I was able to stir some emotions with this piece Melissa, and thank you for these kind words.  

Apachecat:  Welcome to Passions Carrie! I'm so very glad you enjoyed this poem, and I hope to read some of yours as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  

Maureen:  Seems we have more than a few of us "looking through the glass" lately ... thank you for this lovely comment Maureen, much appreciated.  

Rusty Knight:  It appears my mirror has been travelling the globe .. thank you for this understanding response Rusty Knight, I'm grateful.  

Martie: It does seem I am not alone in this feeling ... thank you so much Martie, for this beautiful response.  

2dalimit:  I searched on the title of this poem, and found a link right back to the writer's family Melton. Someone had once quoted me the final verse, but I'd never read the whole poem before. Thank you for steering me in that direction, it was a great read, I really enjoyed it. Many thanks.  

Vicky:  Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and encouragement Vicky, you are very much appreciated.  

Balladeer:  ROFL ... you always make me smile Michael. Just call me "Cybil"    Thanks so much for the "you" who "you" are, sweet poet friend of mine. You let me know when you're ready for another duet OK? Any topic ... whenever you like.  

Songbird:  I agree, there is a lot of soul searching going on these days Songbird. I'm glad you enjoyed, thank you.  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
22 posted 2001-09-21 07:39 AM



I will gladly read your scattered thoughts as you leave them behind...never doubt that you should post what you pen - someone is going to wear it well...

thank you, Kit!

JamesMichael
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Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
23 posted 2001-09-22 03:42 AM


May you find good reason to smile and smile...James
Kethry
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Victoria Australia
24 posted 2001-09-22 07:20 AM


Kit,
those scattered thoughts were as incense to my soul. Thank you! *soft smiles*
Keth.

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
25 posted 2001-09-22 10:04 AM


Sunshine:  Thank you so much for this lovely encouragement Karilea ... hugs to you my friend.  

James: Just seeing your response and others, gives me reason to smile James, many thanks.  

Kethry:  I'm glad you enjoyed these sentiments Kethry, it means a lot to me that others have understood. Thank you for this dear response.  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Rex Allen McCoy
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Sippin a Timmy's in London
26 posted 2001-09-22 03:20 PM


I guess I've asked myself this same question now and again ... mostly when there is change in routine that points toward what I hope is for the better
Nicely said Kit

Lisann
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since 2001-01-31
Posts 350

27 posted 2001-11-03 11:15 PM


Kit this was great,  I didn't expect anything else. But I do have one question,  Have you ever thought of putting graphics with your poetry?  I know that it is just my opinion but I think it would be a lot more powerful with a graphic to go along with it.  I especially liked your poem Lost and found of life.  That one is amazing.  I have been trying to come up with a graphic idea for you but I can't really think of one that would be suitable.


Here is a site for free graphics if you want to check it out  www.webshots.com   check it out and let me know if it gives you any ideas.

Skyfire
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28 posted 2001-11-03 11:17 PM


I don't know what to say! Wow! You just described my life for the past six months... Great write!

~I am a computer genius... Hey! How do you turn this thing on?!?

~Love me because I am Rhonda

Temptress
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29 posted 2001-11-03 11:18 PM


I think you have shown how difficult it is to live with ourselves after realizing we cheated ourselves during anytime in our lives. I enjoyed this.  

Sometimes the heart needs the solace of solitude and silence.

Siofra
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State of Suspended Passion
30 posted 2001-11-03 11:22 PM


I agree with Temptress here.   This is wonderful!

I am many.

doreen peri
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Virginia
31 posted 2001-11-04 12:34 PM


negative thoughts of image?
that's not you...
positive beauty reflected....
in your words
so true



hope enfolding
all of you in view

Midnitesun
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Gaia
32 posted 2001-11-04 12:47 PM


It seems as if you've mirrord many souls with one look. There are many days lately when I've had to walk past my mirror, because I didn't want to see any more sadness.
Denise
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33 posted 2001-11-04 12:50 PM


Wow! This is fantastic, Kit! Very well done!
suthern
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34 posted 2001-11-05 09:25 AM


I'm so glad this was brought back up... for in my days of hiding from the world (when it was really me I wanted to escape *G*) I missed it... and in doing so, missed a treasure. This is a fantastic write, Kit... and doesn't need anything added to make it more powerful... the words paint a vivid picture. *S*
RSWells
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Posts 2533

35 posted 2001-11-05 09:48 AM


Great retrospect and you are as hard on yourself as I am. I have a small TV in the bedroom and while I've grown to dislike most programming I watched a movie the other night, BLOW. I'll admit to a wilder youth then most and could relate to too much. Next to the TV is a mirror and during the show's course I didn't feel any older than I had twenty years ago. At it's conclusion when the subject had so aged in unkind ways I glanced over an inch and saw a very old man in the mirror. It's reflective retrospect was unnerving. We do the best we can and as usual your writings cause thinking. Enjoyed

"Happy people have no history" - French Proverb

Irish Rose
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since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

36 posted 2001-11-05 01:18 PM


Oh, I believe I understand it. At least I think I do. It's an indepth, poignant work. I applaud you for it.  It's a piece that speaks to me, anyway. I've stared at the reflection of myself in the mirror trying to figure out who I am. Wondering...searching...waiting. Well, the answer didn't seem to be there. So I am looking within. I really enjoyed this piece.

Kathleen
nickname "Kay"

"Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently."

Mark Bohannan
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since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
37 posted 2001-11-05 07:07 PM


Such a powerful piece of reality you pen here my friend and of course when you wave that pen across the paper you find a way to enchant us from beginning to end and you always do it so smoothly that we are left with a feeling of "Why does this chapter have to end."  In other words...we could read you all night long and never be completely satisfied.  That is a sign of a superb poet/artist and that is YOU written in gold.  I bow to you .....AGAIN!!!!!!
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