»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #21
»
The Lion Sleeps (for my 11,000th post)
| Open Poetry #21 |
|
The Lion Sleeps (for my 11,000th post) |
|
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
|
I'm stretching my poetic wings a bit for my 11,000th. This is not reflective of my life but was written as a result of correspondence with a reader from the main site. Thank you everyone for all you are, for all you mean to me, and for the peace and serenity I find here within these walls. I'm ever so grateful I found you.  ~*~ The Lion Sleeps Waken from the land of slumber, Quiet now, my little one; Tarry not, for fear of thunder, Hush … our journey has begun. Grasp me tightly … do not question, Gather up your teddy bear; Leave all else without commotion … Quickly, while he's unaware. As the lion sleeps, we'll travel Silently into the night; Hold your tears, lest I unravel, Giving 'way our dawn of flight. Lightly tread upon the hardwood, Step aside the plank that groans; Leave behind your barren childhood, As the roar of darkness moans. Caution, at the stairwell landing, Hold your tongue and gather strength, Listen for the heavy breathing Rolling down the hallway's length. Hurry while the snores of safety, Rumble back a guarded sound … Careful as you step discreetly, Past the bottles on the ground. Clutch the railing - feel your way through … Focus on the steps ahead; Hug the side - I'm right behind you, Filled with fear and drenched in dread. Halfway down, the sweat is pouring, Yet a chill envelopes bone, Silence has replaced the roaring … Shhhh … Don't move … don't cry … don't moan. God, don't let the beast awaken! Quiet, darling - do not squirm … Though it seems we've been forsaken … Pray our faith holds strong and firm. Silence echoes through the household … Stillness seems to swallow sounds … Muted screams of terror take hold, As a thud upstairs, resounds. Palms reach up to stifle panic, Trapped mid-flight upon the stairs; Thoughts are whirling … minds are frantic, Goosebumps rise 'neath downy hairs. Motionless, like brittle statues, Rigid in a frozen stance, Pray the lion's sleep continues … This could be the final chance. Moments drag in anxious worry, Till an echo fills the hall, Muffled snores resume the flurry, Quickly now … no time to stall! Slow descent in practiced fashion, 'Tward the door - escape in view; Gently test the deadbolt's motion, Almost there … and almost through. Suddenly, the clock strikes midnight, As the doorknob turns in place, Freedom lies beyond the moonlight, Exit 'tward the night's embrace. Hurry now, no time for sorrow, Race into the gracious night; Cross the city streets to borrow Refuge from this battered plight. ~*~ Sleep, my child, in comfort knowing, That when you awake, my dear; Mother's tears will not be flowing, From another night of fear. Left behind are fists of fury, And a bitter aftertaste … God will be his judge and jury ……. Gone are we … but not erased. /Kit McCallum |
||
| © Copyright 2002 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) OH MY GOSH, THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST POEMS I HAVE EVER READ HERE!!! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSS) Oh Kit, this both broke my heart and made me smile at the same time in tears because I used to be this sad little boy who was scared going into the basement of my heart and cleaning out the cobwebs and trying to find His love through the darkness and before when I was depressed I am blessed to have turned to Him and being a witness of what His love can do! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, oh Kit, can I please print this out and copy it for myself and my sister and my mom? I'm adding this to my library, as I know every little boy and girl who believes that love can make a big difference and believes in it will be deeply touched by your gorgeous words! CONGRATULATIONS ON 11,000 EXCELLENT POSTS, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." Shakira [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (08-12-2002 11:23 PM).] |
||
|
Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
WOW.........this is very impactful in so many ways. Abuse unfortunately seems to be growing in leeps in bounds or either we are just becoming so much more aware of it. Your words haunt and I have been left shaking my head in trying to comprehend the feelings that usher the ones in this setting. Well done and I do believe (if you don't mind a suggestion) that you should find a local chapter dealing with these issues and let them read this. I am sure they would want to be able to share this with some and maybe use it to help in the comforting of some. Your ending is perfect as YES.....the final decision will be in the Lord's hand and there will be proper judgement for sure. Well done.....well written.....and hits hard as it should. |
||
|
WhiteRose Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208somebody's dungeon |
Noah is right. This is a masterpiece. Well written and dramatic. It holds the reader spellbound from beginning to end. It is in one word "excellent" Bravo! I applaud your poetic artistry. In truth, what defines us is our poetry. [This message has been edited by WhiteRose (08-12-2002 11:28 PM).] |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Masterful!!! Spectacular writing, Kit! What a novel way to portray a mother and child fleeing an abusive spouse...you have used the words perfectly to display the sense of urgency and terror felt by the mother as they made their escape...again you leave me in awe of your abilities. Happy 11,000!!! :kiss" |
||
|
Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Sorry.......came back to say CONGRATS on your 11000th. Didn't mean to let it slip but I was still shaking my head when I posted the reply and I did want you to know that I appreciate that many of your 11,000 were replies to me or you accepting one of my challenges with a smile always and for that.........I THANK YOU. |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Kit I felt the footfall, every step, the creak the fear the deep neglect...the sound of snoring tiger loud, the heart beat hurt me, the strong made me proud. Such fabulous hold you took on feeling, your timing and tension and emotion evoking beyond compare. Very well done, sweet Kit. You are an amazing person and writer...I am so happy to have been able to read this and especially to call you friend.  |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Yes, indeed, I am so correct in saying this will be a classic of the times...something to learn from, something to give hope, in that all can escape from terror, one way or another. Congratulations, Kit...on a job well done! |
||
|
Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Kit, this is one incredible write! As others have said...a masterpiece! Congratulations on your 11,000th Post! And for all that you do to make eveyone feel at home... and welcome here at Passions. ~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~ |
||
|
Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Kit, your poem touches me on a personal level, and is composed with your usual excellence that is often unmatched by many. Hugs and congratulations on 11, 000!!! You're one of the reasons why I love being apart of the passions family Thank you for just being you - don't ever change!~Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
||
|
Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Suddenly, the clock strikes midnight, As the doorknob turns in place, Freedom lies beyond the moonlight, Exit 'tward the night's embrace. Hurry now, no time for sorrow, Race into the gracious night; Cross the city streets to borrow Refuge from this battered plight. Kit...I am not exaggerating when I say that this is probably the very best poem I have ever seen here... Congratulations on 11000... to a superbly talented poet and a first class person all around... Thank you for all of your contributions to this site and to all of us.  ~ 11000 hugs from the striped garden pestLyra copyright2002 Lyra Nesius "poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks [This message has been edited by Madame Chipmunk (08-13-2002 12:28 AM).] |
||
|
ShadowRider Senior Member
since 2001-07-14
Posts 1038USA |
Kit: it is with great pleasure that i read your poem tonight. In matters of abuse, it is perhaps more important than ever to write the best we can. You did that, and more, Kit. You put us in the moment, and let us taste fear. Masterful writing. jeff |
||
|
CSKpoet Senior Member
since 2002-07-12
Posts 845Island in Paradise |
Kit, The impact of your excellent poem is so emotional for me to read..I agree that you should take this to shelters What a great 11,000th post..and perfect as many of your previous posts..I too stand in awe. Best wishes and many more posts to come, Cheryl Poetry is: |
||
|
Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
{{{Taking the Glassed off my face and wiping a myriad of tears that drown me in the grief and the relief of this episode.}}} Sigh..... This is one incredible, powerful and the most well written piece I have seen in ages... (no offence fellow poets) by the second stanza it had me slack jawed in awe and following as if I was on that stairway right behind them... holding my breathand looking back..... praying for the resuming resonance. This one definately has a place in my little collection and I am sending it out as an ecard to everyone on my email... it is sad that a condition such as this is allowed to exist.... no one should live in fear for their lives and the safety of their children. Thankyou for bringing this situation into the light.... I am very glad that I got curious at this title and clicked.... Original and outstanding!!! bty... congrats on 11,ooo posts!!!! What a poem!!! Sherry Cherish the good memories past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. |
||
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Kit, Thank you for this, and I'm sure you know what I mean. God bless you for who you are and I thank him for bringing you here to us. Thank you for all you write so well, and for calling a spade a spade in all that you pen so carefully. Thank you for what you do here, and all your guidance, leadership, and the friendship you extend to one and all, each the same. Kitster, I love you girl, and miss you so badly some days it hurts. Today, after reading this enforced even stronger how proud I am also to call you my friend. Congratulations on your 11,000th milestone ~ You are loved ~ sweet da dummer that you are! ~ I pass this way but once so I hope I meet you.  SharonHe he and in your case I did!  [This message has been edited by Mysteria (08-14-2002 02:58 AM).] |
||
|
serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
ouch. So much I could say. (actually, so much that I can't.) You have touched my heart, again, most profoundly. I feel like I should be congratulating US on this, your milestone. So, I'll just say "thank you." For this, and all of your wonderful "you" you have shared with us. um...and next time? I'm sliding into home!right through the damned catcher! Thank you for this one, Kit. |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Oh my heavens .... I'm simply awestruck, Kit... This is one of the finest poems I've ever read... now if only my heart will stop clogging my throat. *S* An incredibly gripping story written in poetic perfection... this shuffles my "keepers" and soars to the top. *S* And congratulations on your milestone... whether I read your poems or responses, I'm always reading excellence. *S* |
||
|
catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Kit,this is a wonderful piece, worthy of a milestone such as this. Hugs Sandra |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Have I told you all lately how much I appreciate you? My goodness, you've left me speechless ... I have to head to the office, but I promise that I will come back and thank you each personally tonight or tomorrow. Thank you so much everyone for your encouraging words ...  |
||
|
Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
For some things and the way they effect us on a personal level, there are no words needed...that you can write this for another, says it all for me. So I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the many in depth, wonderful encouraging replies and support of my work that make up some of your milestone number. As said before me..your responses are always as impressive and generously gifted as your poetry. I know your reading time here has been limited for awhile now, yet your replies though maybe less in number..are not less in what you give to the poet. And we know youre working quietly behind the scenes here as an Admin. Congrats on 11,000 SMILES you made happen. Heart-hugs Kitgatorgirlie We loves ya!! If all the tear drops went to heaven |
||
|
Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, I can't surpass what has been said, only double it. Congrats on 11,000 You hold a special place with me.  on the cheek from a bashful beau. |
||
|
Goodknight Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386Ohio, USA |
congrats on 11000 and this truly is a masterpiece - a wonderfully wriiten story told with powerul poetry - I was on the edge of my chair the whole time i was reading - great work - and so sad these stories continue to be acted out - Paul |
||
|
VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
yes, a masterpiece of the fear, agony, pain all too many go through you have told it succinctly in an edge-of-the-seat manner, captivating, edgy freedom never felt so good as the other side of that deadbolted door! may I keep a copy? please e-mail and btw, your wings have become masterfully broad! Congrats on 11,000 + Whether on the shoal or on the shore, I'll seek the lighthouse evermore. [This message has been edited by VAS (08-13-2002 12:23 PM).] |
||
|
NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Congratulations of your 11,000th post! This poem is just one of the finest works of art to come along in a very long time.** I always love reading your words and this one has completely taken my breath away. I hope your words will help others in this situation. Bless you always for your ability to put words together in a manner that is remarkable. Hugs, Marti **(No offense intended to others on this magnificent site.) |
||
|
Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ Captivatingly done~ You brought the story full-circle ... I found it touching that it came from your correspondence with a reader from the main site .... I am sure that you gave much comfort~ Reaching out ... touching~ That's what you always do ... Congratulations on being YOU ! And 11,000 other reasons too~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
||
|
Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
Kit.... the tension was so thick in this write. It had me on the edge. a masterpiece. If only the many in this situation could read it and take flight. Congrats on your 11,000. Parker |
||
|
bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Holy.......... Um, yes. Very, very, very, very VERY good. Wow. |
||
Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
Kit~ This is a marvelous piece....and big congrats on 11,000 you are indeed a wonderful writer... hugssssLauren~ The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds strewn across a blue blanket |
||
|
Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Hello Kit Congratulations on such a marvellous achievement and what a wonderful tapestry of words you have given to us. So masterful is your pen as it spoke volumes and touched so many hearts. As so many have said before me, this is truly a masterpiece to be kept. Take care.....Sue I am in motion |
||
|
Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Kit, this is sadly so true in so many homes throughout the world, let alone our own country. Unfortunately, it goes back generations in time. For what one sees is often what one does. Anger is manifested over time. And until someone works through their feelings and what it is that is making them tick wrong, nothing will change. The only salvation is just what you have portrayed, a woman having the courage to leave... And sadly, too many children are standing right there seeing the abuse or are in a room, terrified, hearing the screams and arguing, things being thrown or broken.. etc....this is very terrifying for the children...something they should never have to experience in their lifetimes...Something that NO PERSON, male or female...should ever have to experience. And congratulations on your new mark in posting here at Passions....Well done... |
||
|
Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Kit darling heart only you could have written this, truly this is an awesome and amazing piece of writing. You always write well, for this you 11,000 you have surpassed yourself. This is simply exquisite writing, YOU are an inspiration to me, and your writing I utterly adore, I always have done so, it holds such quality. That you are generous of nature, loving and giving of heart, and always willing to extend your hand to help is but a small part of who you are. That you manage to do all these things, administrate, run the DM program and still write with such beauty and power leaves me breathless with awe. That you then do so without arousing jealousy is simply indicative of how genuinely loving and giving you are Congratulations darling heart, thank you for this amazing piece, there are those who live this nightmare, they live it daily and nightly. Often they are silent through fear, they hold the secret to themselves unable to reveal the dread by which they live each heart shattering moment, and the silence covers them. No one knows and no one listens and in this you have just given them a voice. Now some of those will be heard, thanks to you. Truly one of your utter best. I love it and say again YOU are special  Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  Breathe through the heat of our desire |
||
|
alterego Member
since 2002-02-23
Posts 113Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Congratulations on your 11,000th post!!! My daughter emailed me to sent the link to this poem. As I began to read, a bit into the second verse, I started to hold my breath in anticipation - and didn't take too many between then and the end of the poem. Absolutely fantastic writing!!! As someone who has lived through two abusive domestic situations, I can tell you that I felt every wrenching moment of this poem in my bones. Thankfully, the ending, while bittersweet, was not tragic. I do hope you will take Mark and others' suggestions to share this poem with a sheltering organization in your neighbourhood. In Toronto today they announced a new website for women in just such circumstances, and with your permission, I would like to share this poem with them. Thank you for sharing this poem with all of us. Sheila Create something infinite today - Smile!!! |
||
|
Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Well Kit, I do believe that your wings danced upon the air with this beauty. There is so much meaning to this, thank you for writing and posting it. Congratulations on your achievement!! somebody tell me, please help me.... |
||
|
Eloise Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096Wyoming |
What an incredible writer you are!! This write is wonderful. Your posts leave me speechless.  Congratulations on your 11000th post!  |
||
|
JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Incredible...James |
||
|
Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Kit... You really out done yourself with your 11,000th post, congratulations. Such a wonderful poem, you really put the icing on the cake with this one, and each of us got a good slice of it and reality when reading this poem. Paul |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you so much everyone, for all the lovely comments. I do still plan to come back and thank everyone personally as soon as I can find a little break in time where I can take my time to thank you each individually, as you've all touched my heart so very much. Much appreciation to all ... and I will be back. /Kit |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh, I'm going to have to thank you in stages, I fear. There is never enough time on this end, lol. Mistletoe Angel: I think you are one of the sweetest people I have met Noah … your genuine caring and love shines through all your poetry and comments. Thank you so very much for these kind words, and for being "you". Please feel free to send a copy to your mom and sister, and send along a hug from me, OK? Hugs to you Mark Bohannan: I've wondered the same thing Mark … pondered whether abuse has escalated, or whether it was just more hidden in the past. It's a horrible situation for those in the midst, and I will think about looking into your idea of shelters in my area. I wasn't sure how this would be received, so you've given me a bit of a nudge. Thank you for your always kind words, and for popping back to say congratulations. It's so good to have you home again. Big hugs WhiteRose: I'm so glad to hear that this captured you from beginning to end White Rose. Sometimes my poems get a little long, and I wonder if I'll be able to hold the reader's attention. I love to hear from people, that it did. Thank you so much. Hugs Balladeer: Thank you for letting me know the words displayed the urgency I was trying to capture Michael … I always love to hear from you sweet poet. I hope you know how much I appreciate your comments … you've helped me grow in my writing in so many ways, both from your caring critiques, and from reading your own beautiful work. Big hugs to you. Martie: What a wonderful comment Martie. I'm so glad to hear that I was able to portray the feeling and tension in this piece, and I'm so happy to be able to call you my friend as well. Thank you for this, and thank you for being "you". Hugs on the way Sunshine: Thank you for these beautiful words Karilea … I'm truly glad I was able to bring in the different elements you noted, and so very much appreciate your thoughts on this piece. Many hugs and thanks to you, my sunshiney friend. Enchantress: Thank you so much Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, and I'd like to turn it around and thank "you" for all you do here at Passions as well. Many thanks and hugs to you, my friend … Honeybee: What a beautiful comment Melissa … thank you so much for all these lovely thoughts. You've given me a big heart hug through your words, very much appreciated. Hugs to you in return Madame Chipmunk: I am overwhelmed with your lovely comment Lyra. Thank you so much for letting me know how you feel, and thank you for being who "you" are as well. Someone whom I admire very much … hugs … Much appreciation to you all ... I'll be back again to finish thanking everyone /Kit |
||
|
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Ah ... now that feels better. I couldn't rest until I thanked you all ... ~*~ ShadowRider: What a beautiful comment Jeff … thank you so much for letting me know how it made you feel, you are very much appreciated! CSKpoet: Thank you for these kind words Cheryl … your encouraging words are very much appreciated, thank you! Magicmystery: Thank you so much for giving me a great big smile Sherry … what a lovely response. I'm so glad I was able to bring you into the poem as you described. Many thanks. Mysteria: You are so very welcome Sharon … but it's "I" who should be thanking "you" for being the beautiful person that you are. I am very grateful to know you. Big hugs. serenity blaze: I'm glad I was able to touch your heart with this piece Karen … and thank "you" for such a wonderfully warm response. Southern: You are so kind to me Southern … I can't thank you enough for your always encouraging and endearing comments. Thank you for this … Catalinamoon: Thank you so much for such encouraging comments Sandra. I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece, and am very grateful for these lovely thoughts. Janet Marie: And you, my friend are a smile "always" happening. As soon as I see your name, whether on a post, or a response … my smile starts. Thank you gator gal, for your always warm and tender words. Big hugs … Seymour Tabin: Many hugs coming your way for these sweet thoughts, Sy … you are near and dear to my heart, always. Thank you … Goodknight: I'm glad you enjoyed this piece Paul … it's encouraging to know that the message is heard, and I very much appreciate these kind words. VAS: Thank you for letting me know the range of emotions you felt Virginia, and please do feel free to make a copy .. I would be honored … many thanks. NewEnglandlazurlu : Thank you for such a beautiful comment Marti … I'm very grateful to you for these wonderfully encouraging words, Many thanks. Marge Tindal: From someone who reaches out and touches daily Marge … these are beautiful words to hear. "You" are the best, my friend. Hugs to you … Parker: Thanks so much for letting me know how it came across to you Parker … I really enjoy hearing this kind of feedback … much appreciated. Bsquirrel: Thank you for the very, very's Mike, lol … they are "all" very much appreciated to hear. Big hugs … Greeneyes: Thank you very much for these kind words Lauren … they are very much appreciated, as are you, my friend. Hugs Suetang: Your response is simply heartwarming Sue … thank you so very much for letting me know how you felt about this piece, I'm very grateful. Magnus: You have captured this sadness all too well Magnus. I agree that too many children are in the midst of this dilemma, and it is something no one should have to be a part of. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me on this issue … many hugs. Marsha: I think you almost had me in tears with this beautiful and heart warming response Marsha … I'm so grateful you enjoyed this piece, and I'm always appreciated of your thoughtfulness in letting me know how you felt. Big hugs to you … Alterego: I'm so glad your daughter e-mailed you the link Sheila. I'm so sorry you experienced some of this trauma personally, but I'm so grateful you shared your thoughts with me here. Many thanks and hugs to you … Gentle Spirit : You're welcome Donna, and thank "you" so very much for letting me know you enjoyed it. I'm very grateful for these kind words. Eloise: And you have left me speechless as well Eloise. Thank you very much for this lovely response. Big hugs… JamesMichael: Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this piece James … I'm very grateful … Big hugs … Paul Wilson: What a delightful response Paul, thank you so much for enjoying this piece, and it's been a pleasure corresponding with you over e-mail. Many thanks to you… With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
