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Open Poetry #41
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It Made Me Who I Am (Patricia's challenge)
| Open Poetry #41 |
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It Made Me Who I Am (Patricia's challenge) |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho 
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I am from a land of snow, white in a complete circle and a white sky too. The wind howled like a human voice in anguish. I searched in vain for the source. I grew up making tunnels in wheat fields, and building dams in the ditch, reaching up over the barbed wire with rotten pears, to feed the cows. The only sounds I recall are the soft ones the cows made, walking, licking; and trains passing by on unknown missions. My life was swinging as high as I could, running as fast as I could, climbing trees, and later, writing, always pretending solitary games. I am from a house of silence where my mother suffered with debilitating depression, and my father worked outside. No sounds allowed, to preserve her nerves, her life. My imagination preserved me. Sometimes I would be passed around to any family from the church who would keep me free, while my mother tried to survive. At nearly twelve years old, I met a tall, blonde, lanky boy with sparkling blue eyes and a wonderful smile, and he liked my long hair! He gave me hearty laughter, an easy-going spirit, hugs I had waited my life for, and the world of music. The touch of his big hands was like a part of Heaven. 44 years later, he is with me, across the room at his desk, still writing with me, still lighting up my life. I love you, Lucky! [This message has been edited by Rosemary J. Gwaltney (12-08-2007 06:21 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Rosemary J. Gwaltney - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
I was moved by your life and love.  "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Misty Lilacs Senior Member
since 2005-11-15
Posts 1060White Birch Forest |
I love your story; I love your poem. hugs, Marti Home is not where you live, |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
I enjoyed your reply to the challenge. I am finding these all to be so beautiful. Nicely done Rosemary |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
quote: This touched a kindred note, Rosemary. And Lucky's nickname is just right... because he is! |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
My imagination preserved me. Sometimes I would be passed around to any family from the church who would keep me free, while my mother tried to survive. I had to swallow tears while reading this ... when my grandmother was ill, my mother wrapped me in blankets on cold and early mornings and brought me to a friend's house, while she went to work. This was tough on her. Very beautiful poem and with a happy ending no doubt. Love, Margherita |
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Patricia Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160Missouri |
You brought tears to my eyes with your heart touching words. Yet, I can see the both of you now writing and loving and loving and writing...how wonderful you both are. Thank you for bringing your words to this challenge. Hugs to you, Patricia |
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TinaTrivett Senior Member
since 2006-07-15
Posts 569 |
Thanks for the peek inside. Lucky is very lucky indeed. |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
I think you both are lucky Poet, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Rosemary....sometimes it happens that from the shelter of ones own special heart, grows a spirit that is tall enough to see across the fields to the snow covered mountains. I am always so touched by the love you have with Dale...I am also very happy for the many years you've loved together.  |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
This just warms my heart~~ absolutely lovely M |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Rosemary, I so love your poem and your story. Alison |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Whew... I have to gather my bearings after that beautiful ~ and highly emotional read. It ran a gamut of emotions and I was feeling each and every one of them. Rosemary, I'm giving you a big, loving hug for the intimate sharing of yourself with your fellow pipsters.  Linda |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
This challenge of Patricia's has really made me feel like I know the poets better -- so much of their lives shared. Thank you for sharing where you're from; good write! (44 years - Wow! Good for you!) .....jo |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
I am so amazed at the number of responses here! We had driven the 50 mile round trip drive to get groceries, and when I got my evening free time and came to look - I could barely believe it! Thank you all for reading, remembering, caring, and telling me so. Tomorrow I'm going to read and read. I think this was a genius challenge. It goes straight to the heart of everyone, because everyone has a past, a story, and memories that form and shape a life. |
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Roniece Dawson-Bruce Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689Sydney, Australia |
Rosemary... thank you so much for sharing 'you' with us here... it was a wonderful and delightful read thank you ! RDB Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight......... |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
each of the vastly differing 'personal perspectives' on this 'poetic challenge' are indeed most fascinating! fine, emotive 'write!' applause!! |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
through up downs and merry go rounds and the little truths that I had found you were the shine on my shadowed ground... how can I say "I love you" more than this... and to think there were times I could have missed... lovin' you... My God is an awesome God and you and I are living prove... the only thing my mother left me was a name... and "lucky" I AM for I have you... You remember me walking you home from school down the poplar lane an through the maple wood..? infatuated me, carrying your books... how about those chestnuts you keep for I can't remember how many years... oh what a song God's has given us... I will love you as long as I have thought... I will still love you if eternity stops... and if nought... I'll cry best friends best finds treasure mine lov dale |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
Oh, Dale, this is the most beautiful thing you have ever written me. I love the heart that makes you you. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Theres a beautiful message here...James |
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divine chaos Senior Member
since 2006-07-09
Posts 617dancing 'neath the moon |
Rosemary, this is just lovely, from bittersweet beginnings to the joyful end. You and Lucky bring me a smile ~Sheli~ |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
RoseMary~ 'I am from a house of silence where my mother suffered with debilitating depression, and my father worked outside. No sounds allowed, to preserve her nerves, her life. My imagination preserved me.' And for your imagination, a lot of us are happy~  Lucky~ *sigh* ... look how you continue to touch her heart~ You both are so blessed~ One with the other~ Love n' *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
very much enjoyed  ARCTIC WIND |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
I give my sincere thanks to each one who commented here. Each reply means a great deal to me, because so much of my inner self lies in the words of this writing. |
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