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Open Poetry #40
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Class Reunion - Part One - Beauty and the Geek
| Open Poetry #40 |
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Class Reunion - Part One - Beauty and the Geek |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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***Collaboration of Kit McCallum and Balladeer*** . . The invitation came by mail – an unexpected find, Her Alma Mater had to be the last thing on her mind, The bright red flyer boasted 20 years to date and more, A lifetime since they all had been “The Class of ’84”. A list of names accompanied the celebration plans, A “Who’s Who” of the days of yore – the cliques, the groups, the clans; “I wonder how they tracked me down?” she pondered to herself, Then went to find her yearbook, caked in dust upon a shelf. The day was long and he was tired but smiling happily. It's easier to deal with when you own the company! He thought of words that his old high school teacher used to say, “Be kind to geeks ... odds are that you will work for one some day." He sat down with the mail and eyes widened with surprise. He laughed at the coincidence that lie before his eyes. The memory of his teacher's words that came to him before And now a reunion notice of his class of '84! She brushed the dusty yearbook off, and poured herself a drink, A little early in the day, but it may help her think; “Let’s set the mood.” She mused out loud, “Let’s hear Duran Duran.” Some ZZ Top, Steve Miller, and Bob Segar was the plan. She set the music low, and heard “The Reflex” start to play, Then settled in her easy chair to get this underway. “A little trip down memory lane!” she followed with a groan, It wasn’t something she had done, since she’d been on her own. She ran her hand along the cover ... “Heeeeere we go.” she said, Then started turning pages with a twinge of fear and dread. “Those WERE the days,” she sighed, “I had my life ahead of me.” She'd changed so much in twenty years, it was a sight to see. One picture caught her smiling with her pom-pom’s raised in pride, Another showed the Prom Queen, with her boyfriend by her side; “Some friend,” she thought in hindsight, “Look how happy we all were.” “Now THAT's a crock,” she sighed aloud, to no one else but her. The invitation in his hand now made him reminisce About those carefree high school days he never thought he'd miss. He'd never been too popular. He hadn't been a jock. He threw himself into his books and studied 'round the clock. Though not considered ugly, no girl swooned when he passed by. He was thought of as the worm and not the apple of one's eye But he had had a thirst for knowledge and a single-minded quest To NOT be like his father and become a huge success. And so he had....his business gave him comfortable means. His face had graced the pages of the nation's magazines. Reunion? Why should he attend....but, then again, why not? He knew the answer easily...a face he'd not forgot. He lay in bed that night, mind racing through his teenage past... Cheerleader pom poms, study halls and love that did not last. The last thought in his head as his mind drifted off somewhere Completely took him by surprise....it was, "Will SHE be there?" The sun had set some time ago, and yet she still remained, Engrossed in all that was the past, as feelings waxed and waned; So many happy moments seemed to jump from off the page, She never had a loss for friends, at such a tender age. She’d had her pick of football stars, and joined the trendy clubs, She went to every party, rarely missed the Friday pubs; She dressed in top designer clothes, wore Farrah Fawcett hair, Those pictures showed a happy girl, who didn’t have a care. But graduation came too soon, then baby number one, Before she knew it, she was married – all was said and done; She lasted ten long years before she up and left that cad ... (Her quarterback was great on field, but lousy as a dad!) She snapped herself back to the book, and turned the final page, Where autographs were scribbled – silly rhymes took center stage; She read a few, then stopped and smiled, at one she knew so well, It simply said “Next Lifetime”, and her heart began to swell. She’d seen him not too long ago, within a magazine, He hadn’t changed a bit, she thought, since they were both eighteen; She traced his words a time or two, and felt a little glow, Then closed the book, and thought aloud, “I wonder if HE’LL go?” The days flew by with business dealings, interviews and such. He hadn't time to dwell on things like high school days too much But there were moments when they peeked out from his memory As thoughts raced back to days gone by and things that used to be. From times when they were six years old, they were inseparable... The skinny kid with glasses and the girl with golden curls. Through grade school they were best of friends. Where he went, so did she But high school brought a change to them that he did not foresee. She had blossomed into beauty and admired by everyone. Cheerleader, prom queen, debutante...her life was filled with fun She was the girl that all girls envied and that boys adored While he was just the "nerdy" kid that everyone ignored. One day while they were lunching, her girlfriends came walking by. They smiled at her and looked at him with disapproving eye. He didn't understand the reasons but, from that day on, They never lunched together and their "special" time was gone. For ten long years, she’d managed to suppress the distant past, Reliving it seemed way too hard, for nothing seemed to last; Her marriage died, and took with it, her youthful take on life, She raised their child, while hubby took a younger trophy wife. It seemed like such a paradox, when she got thinking back, Reverting to her childhood friend, before things got off-track, He was her pal, her mate, her chum, together, they were one, From climbing trees, to make-believe, they always had such fun. Their moms had been the best of friends … their dads were buddies too, They got together all the time, for drinks or barbeque; Their folks would tease them all the time, it seemed to make them laugh, Their mom’s would joke of marriage plans … each was their better half. What followed came so naturally, she thought in reminisce, “No wonder he became the boy to give me my first kiss!” They got along so well, it was a shame for it to end … But pressures from her newfound clique, had cost her, her best friend. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ The days and weeks flew quickly by, and now the die was cast, Tomorrow she would pack her bags and go confront her past. She summoned all her courage as she tossed and turned in bed, While visions of the words he’d etched, kept running through her head. That night he had a fitful sleep. The time had come at last. Tomorrow he would catch a plane and fly back to his past. Perhaps it would be wiser just to leave the past behind But, in his sleep "Next Lifetime" echoed softly in his mind. |
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| © Copyright 2007 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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paullallady Member
since 2007-04-03
Posts 262Michigan |
This was terrific, it kept me captivated until the end. I cannot wait until the next part! |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
And they lived happily ever after. What a sweet, sweet poem you two have created here.  Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
so this is what happens when two outstanding poets get together...amazing,simply amazing... thank you for writing and for sharing |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
How fast beauty falls, when nobody is looking. Bumpsikidee. (just thought it should stay in sight tonight) Beautiful words, written by beautiful people. Wish I could hug you.  Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (smiles) Oh, I absolutely love how you've prepared us for what is bound to be a most delightful and heart-touching of reunited spirits, dearest friends, yay! (sigh) Only five years have eclipsed since my graduation day at Denver Academy and I've been fondly reflective all throughout these six years, excited about my ten year reunion in 2012, where I KNOW I'm going to cry when I first see the entrance gate of the campus and at least two-dozen times after that! (angel friendship group hug) I'm absolutely hooked, dearest friends, I'm immensely looking forward to the rest of this saga, God Bless You Both, we all love you both so much! You have such beautiful hearts, sweet Kit and Michael, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you both! Love, Noah Eaton "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
We thank you all for your comments. .  . We're having fun, too!  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit and Ball, Your reminisce has turned my heart a twist It tore at it to read the very list Board my Randy dragon fly the stars again We'll do a little alchemy and fix it with a pen. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
A compelling read! Great writing! Great story! Great collaboration! I'm looking forward to Part Two ~ and Three ~ and Four...  You two stirred up a few nostalgic memories of my own!  Linda |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Man, it is about time that two of our best came back to wow us! Thanks, KIDS! |
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Drauntz Member Elite
since 2007-03-16
Posts 2905Los Angeles California |
beautiful and touched my heart. Sir, you write beautifully. Write more here then in back there. enjoyed |
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MarkG Junior Member
since 2007-06-21
Posts 48California USA |
wow this is just too much fun and so very, very well done i cant wait to read more and eventually the end to find out what happens to the separated best friends Great stuff! |
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divine chaos Senior Member
since 2006-07-09
Posts 617dancing 'neath the moon |
just .. wow. you two are amazing this hits so close to home in so many ways especially with my 20th looming on the horizon *smiles* 'course my geek is mule stubborn and he searched me out a few years ago because I -didn't- show up at our 10th reunion -- and has been tormenting me ever since  loved this .. and can't wait to see part II Sheli By words the mind is winged |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA |
Balladeer, Well it's long enough. However, I couldn't find anything of much depth. It all seems rather shallow. Bobby |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
YES! I see where this is heading, but I won't spoil it as you both know how much I am into "happy endings." Well, it better be a happy ending - hint, hint. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I was actually cleaning house thinking about this poem and thought, that darn man better not be married, and have a family. Then I thought, there better darn well not be a plane crash or accident on the way to that reunion. I hoped so badly they were exactly as they expected each other to be when they met in the "Next Lifetime." A few minutes later, I realized why this was sticking in my brain. I was that girl "soft of," and I let a really good one go that my "friends" thought was a geek. I married the popular one and paid for it. I went back to my reunion hoping to find Cliff, but he never showed, and I wanted to tell him how sorry I was if nothing else, for turning on him because I wanted to be in the "in crowd." I will probably go to my grave regretting what I did in high school, yup I will. Well, it sure seems that I found this long poem had a ton of substance, and far from shallow, as it is about the 4th time I came back to read the darn thing. For fun, you have inspired me to try to locate "my geek" and see what life brought him anyway. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks so much everyone, for taking the time to read and comment. It's been a lot of fun going back and forth with Michael to see where we'll take this. We enjoy exploring the characters and their intermingled thoughts. Beyond the initial concept itself, we are just "writing as we go". There's no happy ending pre-destined, lol. That's the fun of these duets - we don't know how it will end yet either. PS ... Sharon - you go girl! Track that man down and say hello! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Such a pleasure to read what falls from you twos pens. You write such beautiful poetry whether seperate or together....but most together. This held me to the end and can't wait for part number two. Excellent meter and rhyme and Kit...nice to see you back Ruth |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
a wonderful read, you two~~ I just attended my 40th two weeks ago... and it's always great to see that we all still "remember" each other even though we did have to peek a little at some name tags this year M |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks Ruth ... it's good to be "back" too! Thank you Maureen ... lol @ looking at the name tags! Thanks for the kind words ladies. We're working on Part 2 as I type, lol. With much appreciation to you both, /Kit |
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Roniece Dawson-Bruce Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689Sydney, Australia |
oh my goodness this is simply stunning!! Apaulding you from Down Under!! Wonderful! RDB Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight......... |
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adagio Member
since 2005-03-19
Posts 449Marrero, La. |
Great work! I can see a lot of myself in this and know all about fitfull sleeps adagio |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you for the smiles from Down Under, RDB. And thanks for the kind comment Adagio! With much appreciation to you both, /Kit |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
*sigh* My only complaint is that it had to end... I can't wait for the next installment! *S* It's so good to see the two of you writing together again! *S* |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Thank you both for this wonderful story. I so am enjoying reading your poetry (whether you write alone or together). This is a joy to read. Alison |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
This is one amazing collab. My mind keeps tripping over the sheer amount of creative energy, writing, editing, and rewriting while striving to keep the same rhythm and foot. Amazing.....you both do good work. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, 'cat. The beauty of working with Kit is that there is no striving to maintain the rhythm or feet....we both write from the same pen. Glad you enjoyed..... [This message has been edited by Balladeer (07-25-2007 04:30 PM).] |
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hunnie_girl
since 2006-06-18
Posts 2567Canada |
this was simply brilliant I loved the flow... hunnie. ~fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me~ |
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