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Open Poetry #18
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The Welcome Mat
| Open Poetry #18 |
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The Welcome Mat |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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I hope you don't mind me taking this opportunity to apologize for my lack of reading and responses over the last few weeks. I've been buried in office work and have been hiding behind mounds of paperwork. I hope to see some light at the end of the tunnel before too long ... and promise that I'll get back to reading as soon as I can. I miss you guys!  I wrote this last week for someone who e-mailed me directly, asking for some assistance to put their thoughts into words for a very special person who had changed their life. I was given their permission to post this, and wanted to share this piece with you. It really was a heartening story to me of how one person's love and kindness can make a difference in another's world. I hope you enjoy.  *** The Welcome Mat Through growing years, when trust is forged, when love is absolute, Some drift in tales of sorrow - left unspoken … rendered mute; While many find a loving ear, to help them through their days, A scattered few are lost in life, and struggle through the maze. One infant lived through such a time, her memories ingrained, From birth of day, her circumstance held solitary pain; Too long, these mem'ries lingered in her wounded, heavy heart, Unwilling to unleash the faded demons, should they part. Not born into a world of love, no Welcome Mat was shown, The front porch stoop was barren … t'was a "house", yet not a "home"; Abused by those within the walls - removed by Children's Aid, She wandered through the system, all alone and so afraid. She passed through homes with Welcome Mats placed neatly at their door, Yet bounced from one and then another - never found rapport; Her life of bitter anguish seemed to grow as she matured … Her seed of trust, misguided by the hardships she endured. She hid within her mind - contrived emotions, yet was numb, And turned them inward, blamed herself, for all she had become; Devoid of hope, she wandered through her frightening youth alone … Each Welcome Mat, a bitter epitaph at every home. 'Twas not a soul that offered her encouragement or love, They all gave up so easily … and when she pushed … they shoved; How quickly they would pass her on - she learned their lessons well, "Trust no one, and remember … you are "all alone" in Hell." She exited the system, and moved on to build her life, Relying on herself alone … her independence rife; She built a wall of hate through fear … and practiced it with zeal, Rehearsed her means of self-protection - too afraid to feel. She turned away each friendly face before they could draw near, And flashed back to her days of youth, her disillusion clear, Convinced that no one cared at all, she went about her day, Behind the fortress she had built … the "enemy" at bay. She functioned in her daily tasks, but kept her feelings cold, A show of warmth or friendship, brought on anger, truth be told; Her barriers were strong and true, the doors she built were locked, No Welcome Mat upon "her" porch … no answer if they knocked. Her tactics worked for many years, until one fateful day, A stranger walked into her life, though much to her dismay … The skills she'd honed through preservation, met with strong resolve, When paired against this angel who had dared to get involved. She met them with resistance, fed through anger and through fear, Suspicious of their interests, as intentions grew unclear; The harder that she tried to push this stranger from her world, The weaker she became, as strained emotions were unfurled. This unfamiliar twist of fate, confused her hardened mind … Encouragement and loyalty, were not for "her" to find; She tried her best to fend them off, and yet they held their ground, To try to break the barriers in which her heart was bound. Regardless of her actions to rebuff this proffered hand, The stranger kept it raised, oblivious to her demand; This angel spoke of kindness, understanding, and of care, Repeatedly, they spoke the words that until now … were rare. Though promises she'd heard before were only meant to break, This person's words held meaning, broke her down, and made her quake, So many times she waited for their falseness to prevail, Yet each and every time she found this angel did not fail. No matter how unwelcoming she tried her best to be, The love and kindness shown to her, remained persistently; It took a mighty effort, but she slowly understood, That friendship was attainable … and trust was something good. Her life had changed immeasurably by someone who had cared, Enough to show her she was worth what "she" had never dared; This angel saw the good in her, the innocence and light, Respected her for who she was, no matter what the fight. Through actions of this caring heart, who never gave up hope, She slowly learned to face her demons - how in life to cope; She came to know herself "through" them - their bond of friendship grew, The walls came down with massive force, and trust came flooding through. The door she once had guarded so protectively, unlocked … And there, behind her Welcome Mat … she answered friendship's knock. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2002 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
I know these words...raising two adopted children..puts me close to this... Excellent...very good... |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is such a beautiful story!! Sometimes all it takes is unconditional love to break a pattern of feeling worthless. Wonderful poem Kit!  |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Very sad beginning, but nice ending, I know of this type of situation. Have been close to it. Nice write Kit. floriaFloria |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I love the way you manage to find time to write such wonderful works ... while you're supposed to be doing other stuff... It does my heart good - It truly does... This is simply wonderful, Kit.. (And don't be over-working, OK?) |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit , You are an exceptional writer and in my book stand next to balladeer. Your work is always a delight to read.  from the gallery |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, this is such a sad but hopeful write, your loving heart always shines in your gorgeous words and compassion radiates from you, showing that even in the most urgent situations, love will always find a way to reach out to us all with arms wide open!!! (kiss on cheek) God Bless You, sweet friend, you are a true angel, we all love you so much, this is by far one of your most beautifully touching poems yet! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing!    May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Dear Kit: This poem gave me goose bumps. To be able to write from the heart like this takes much empathy and compassion...I'm sure those you wrote it for will keep you in their hearts always. You are one fine lady, and poet! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Very touching...yes it seems like they are an angel when someone reaches out and cares for us...James |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Kit, a beautiful story, albeit true, of love and compassion. Enjoyed the read and do try to take time to relax. ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~Time has cast a spell on you, |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
This touched me in ways I can never say! Thankyou Kit for sharing this one It truly brightened my day! Kat |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This gave me chills, Kit... and a heartful of immense admiration for a lady who found time in her busy schedule to write a heart's life story... there's more than one "angel" in this incredibly well-told tale. *S* |
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skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
Sometimes it's tough to read longer poems, but it wasn't this time. I was drawn in to this one from beginning to end. What a powerful story. Well done. sky |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Kit, I don't think I tell you enough how amazing you are My two step daughters went through hell in their tiny little lives before coming to us...I thank God every day that Jon and I could change that pattern for them....we are still working on some things, but now it's the normal things of everyday life. *hugs* to you, hope work slows down for you soon! |
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Skyfire
since 2000-12-27
Posts 3381Riding |
Oh Kit... I love it... I am totally speechless. Wow! Sleep: The final frontier |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Wow, this is wonderful Kit. I’m sure the person you wrote it for was overjoyed with it. I’m so glad she was able to find such happiness after all the knocks she took from life. Trust and friendship can be hard to accept, if one has never had it proffered. I’m so happy she was able to find it. And as for you young lady…get yourself some rest from all that work!!! Sounds like you’re due for a break and some fun!! If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, I'm very happy that you were able to post this. So much heart ache in the unwanted...but so much to offer if they could just be given a chance! Yet another keeper. Thank you for sharing your gift. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
No matter how unwelcoming she tried her best to be, The love and kindness shown to her, remained persistently; It took a mighty effort, but she slowly understood, That friendship was attainable - and trust was something good. Her life had changed immeasurably by someone who had cared, Enough to show her she was worth what "she" had never dared; This angel saw the good in her, the innocence and light, Respected her for who she was, no matter what the fight. ========================================== Apology NOT accepted...you get your beautiful butt back in here pronto  Do you know how cool this is? so much heart and wisdom wrapped in your rhymes divine. And as you can see by the reaction to this...your doing some angel dusting of your own. take care of you and get back when you can...we saving your spot |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
They all gave up so easily … and when she pushed … they shoved; How quickly they would pass her on - she learned their lessons well, "Trust no one, and remember … you are "all alone" in Hell." Kit, there are so many young women whose story this could have been, so many. I loved the ultimate message that in order to have a friend, you must first learn to be one, and you did that as only you can do. I am so glad to see you took time out for you from your busy schedule, it is good for the entire of you. Loved it!The older I grow, the less important the comma becomes. |
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peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
This is a very powerful write.It's amazing what one person, if the right person can do to a hardened heart.I'm glad this person found her. Peaches |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Beautifully written Kit ... a very touching story Sorry to have missed your reading (had to work) ... I'll bet you were a wonderful addition to the reading |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Kit: What a beautiful story! You have presented this so well. A pleasure to read! Great writing! |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Magnus: Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me Magnus, much appreciated. Poet deVine: I'm glad that is how it came across Sharon … you've summarized what I hoped to capture. Many thanks. Strbbux: Thanks so much for letting me know Floria, I really appreciate your kind words. Nan: I'm glad you enjoyed … it does my heart good too Nan - I guess that's why I love (need?) to write whether my schedule thinks I have time or not, lol. Many thanks. Seymour: You are so sweet to me, and I cannot think of a more wonderful comparison to warm my heart … thank you Sy, much appreciated. Mistletoe Angel: You always make me smile with your enthusiasm and encouraging words Noah … thank you very much. Martie: What a beautiful response Martie, thank you so much for these kind words, I am very grateful. JamesMichael: It surely does James, and the world is a better place for people like this. Thank you for the lovely thoughts. Enchantress: I'm glad you enjoyed Nancy, and I'm hoping to find a little time today if I can … many thanks. Amusemi: I'm glad to hear it brightened your day Kat … thanks so much for letting me know. Southern: Thank you so very much for these kind words Southern … they mean a great deal to me, and I so very much appreciate you. Skyshine: That was wonderful to hear Sky! I know I can get a little long sometimes, but to hear that it flowed well in this way is great to hear, thank you. SEA: Thank you so very much Susan. Your step daughters are very fortunate indeed to have the warmth and love the emanates from you my friend, thank you. Skyfire: Thank you so much for these kind words Rhonda … I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. Tracey: Thank you so much for this lovely comment Tracey. I did receive a wonderful note from the person I wrote this for, and it warmed my heart. Many thanks. Larry C: I agree Larry, and thank "you" for such a sweet response … you are very much appreciated. Janet Marie: ROFL … You crack me up, JM! I'm trying to get my butt back in here … I promise, I promise! I've been here behind the scenes, just not up in the forefront. Keep saving me that spot though gator gal … I'll be back, lol. Big hugs. Mysteria: Sharon … from what I know of your work with your girls … I do believe you fit the profile of the angel in this story, my friend. Thank you for these lovely thoughts, they are very much appreciated. peaches73533: I'm glad they found her as well Peaches. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed. Rex Allen McCoy: Thank you Rex. I'm sorry to have missed you too, but I think there's another one coming up in April … maybe we'll hook up there and you'll do a reading this time? That would be great! Ethome: Thank you so very much for these kind words Ethome … I really appreciate hearing that, many thanks. Much appreciation and big hugs to you all,  /Kit I promise I'll be back .... soon ...  [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (02-10-2002 09:06 AM).] |
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Lisann Member
since 2001-01-31
Posts 350 |
Kit, this was a beautiful piece that you have written. As you can see it has touched the hearts of many. I know this story all to well. You've shown the growth process of a child surrounded by abuse and hate to one that found Love. You've done an amazing job with this one. And I know it was greatly appreciated. |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
From a somber beginning, you've written a poem with a magic ending. I think your friend was lucky to have found an angel that day. So very beautifully portrayed, Kit.  copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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Auguste
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953By the sea |
Just wonderful! Michael Auguste~ |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My welcome mat is always out for you and your wonderful poetry, Kit  |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Lisann: Thank you so much for the kind words Lisann, and for letting me know it touched touched your heart. Very much appreciated. Madame Chipmunk: Thank you Lyra ... I'm glad you enjoyed and happy that she found this angel as well. Auguste: Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed Michael, very much appreciated. Balladeer: And mine for you sweet poet ... thank you for this. Big hugs. Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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