Open Poetry #9 |
The Secrets of a Fortune Teller |
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
The Secrets of a Fortune Teller "How good of you to come my way", the gypsy lady said, She motioned to a chair, but I stayed standing ... filled with dread. "Don't be afraid ... a little shy?", "There's nothing here to fear.", "You've come to me for answers, so I'll try my best, my dear." She gestured to the chair again, a little wooden stool, I hesitated, moved ahead, and took my place, a fool; I looked about the room I sat, as curtains draped the door, 'Twas dark and sparsely furnished, just a table, nothing more. The woman sat across from me, expressionless, it seemed, But 'neath her heavy lidded eyes, a sparkle, brightly gleamed; Her raven hair in ringlets, peaked below the scarf she wore, As earrings dangled, clinked and rang ... a vision of folklore. She reached across the table, and before my mind could think, Bedazzled by her ornaments ... I reached across in sync; She grasped my hand, with heavy grip ... I thought of turning back, My mind was spinning, "Will she know the visions that I lack?" My future, unbeknownst to me, "What answers will appear?", Now locked within her gaze I was, while mesmerized with fear; She traced her fingers lightly down my palm, went back and forth, And all the while 'twas chanting 'bout my life, it's painful course. She told me of my past, as if, she'd lived with me each day, Her words were hypnotizing, as she closed her eyes and swayed; And to my present turmoil then, she turned her focus on, "I see your pain." she said to me, "That's why, to me you're drawn." "You're wondering which path to take", she gazed into my eyes, "You're seeking easy answers", she purported with a sigh; She tightened grip much firmer and, she begged me close to hear, The words she leaned to whisper to my keen, awaiting ear. "My dear, I know you're struggling, and my words could ease your pain", "But do you really want to know these secrets you could gain?" "To know the future, yet to be, does not come without price," "It carries with it, heavy burdens, filled with sacrifice." "For if you read a novel, skip from middle to the end," "The pages in between will lose their joyful purpose then." "You see, it's not the start or end, that matters most in life," "It's all the richness in between, each day and every night." She gazed at me, much deeper now, released my hand, leaned back, And posed a question to me, with such forthrightness and tact; "You have the power," she then said, "To walk away right now," "Without another word from me, no payment is endowed." "But if you choose to stay and hear the final pages read," "The price you'll pay will be much higher, should these words you dread." I looked into her eyes, this fortune teller I had met, And pondered on the things she knew, the secrets that she kept. First disappointment grew within, for this is why I came, To have my future laid before me, no more guessing games; I looked at her, this lady dark, who held my future there, And wavered, indecision, for the knowledge I might hear. 'Twas then her words, they echoed in my heart, I knew were right, I placed some cash upon the table, walked into the night; With heavy heart, I'd come to her, for answers I might find, But leaving now, took comfort ... for she'd eased my troubled mind. I may not have the answers, as I smiled and walked away, But in her wisdom, now I'll seek ... my future, come what may. /Kit McCallum |
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© Copyright 2000 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
Truer words were never spoken my friend. . . well done. . . Excellent poem. . . ------------------------------------------------------- That which gives light must endure burning --Victor Frankl |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This is great, Kit...very true that many things are better left unknown. What good would life be without the mystery?? Love the poem... |
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brian madden Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374ireland |
Kit, all will be revealed in time, wonderful poem, we make our own futures. "I concede relationships have left me weak Won't be here so I don't care Look for something worthy to replace my guilt" Mansun legacy |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ Oh, you weave the story so well. ~*Madame Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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EagleOne Member Elite
since 2000-03-07
Posts 2829Between a laugh and a tear... |
What would life be without the mystery? "The heart and soul have no illusion of boundries when friendship is the quest" ~ My Angel. |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
Kit.... This is spectacular, and I speak from a gypsy heart! You told a story so real, and I could almost feel the setting where it took place. The gypsy was what is known as 'one of light', the truest kind....one who gives a choice to the asker. I really love this one!! Today is a gift.... That is why they call it 'the Present'! |
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English Rose Member
since 2000-08-20
Posts 211Berkshire, England |
This is great as usual Kit...a mesmerising tale indeed!! I was enthralled from start to finnish.....oh gosh I wish I could write a tale as well as that! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
This is an absolutely wonderful tale, Kit - and it's quite adeptly woven - in perfectly formatted iambic heptameter - the makings of a real ballad... |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
delectably written... I have great admiration for your work, Kit, and time and again, I am reminded it is not for nothing, by such great poems... regards, sudhir P.S. and Nancy has given the certificate of perfection too.... |
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Trew Member
since 2000-06-10
Posts 365Ottawa, Canada |
Kit, what a marvelous poem! That was the most rich and textured tale that I have encountered in some time. This has been a spectacular day for poetry, here at Passions. Thank you for this one... Trev. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
What a superb tale, richly told, fascinatingly true. Reading this placed me firmly in the seat across from her. Beautiful flowing as well. catalinamoon |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Sven: Thank you so much Sven, I'm glad you enjoyed, and thanks for the "excellent"! ~Balladeer: Some things are better left unknown, very true indeed ... thanks for the wonderful response Balladeer! ~Brian: Ah yes, we do make our own futures, thanks for the great response Brian! ~Madam Marge: Love the picture! Thanks lovely Marge! ~EagleOne: Good question EagleOne ... indeed, thanks for reading! ~Sunny: Oh I loved this comment Sunny ... I'm so glad I was able to portray this with some accuracy ... thanks so much!!! ~EnglishRose: Wow .. thank you for these lovely words EnglishRose ... MUCH appreciation! ~Nan: Your input and comments mean more to me than you might imagine Nan! I loved this teach! Thank you!!! ~Sudhir: Oh Sudhir .. thank you so much for these wonderful words, truly! And yes, I'm very appreciative for Nan's words. Thank you again my friend! ~Trev: Thank you soooo much Trev, what a wonderful comment. And yes, I noticed too, that the reading was phenomenal yesterday ... such a treat for the mind! ~CatalinaMoon: Thank you CatalinaMoon ... I'm so glad you commented on the flow, that means a great deal to me ... much appreciated! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Perfect in every way. I love not knowing what lies ahead of me and have to be real cautious when I do. What fun would life be if we knew all that lie ahead for us. You have made me smile this morning and given me peace in knowing that MY life is up to me and I will chose to seek it as it comes. Loved it so much and into my library you go. Hmmmmm might have to give you a shelf of your own just as Martie and Liz have. How do you like that company? You are there in my book. |
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LM Senior Member
since 2000-08-03
Posts 585 |
Oh wow! It was spectacular! Such a great story in a poem, I found myself holding my breath with anticipation ... Great stuff!!! I was too wondering occasionally wether to go to a fortune teller, but I'm too afraid of what she might tell me... |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
A very wise poem! One of your best. Lately, for some reason, I have wanted to go to see a psychic or "fortune teller," but, now I think I'll take your advice. Sometimes it's best not to predict the future. Take care, Melissa Honeybee The beauty of poetry gives my soul wings to fly free within dreams |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Mark: Thank you my luminous friend! I would consider it a great honour to be on your library shelf with Martie and Liz, you have made me smile with this lovely response! ~LM: What a wonderful comment LM ... thank you so much for these kind words! ~Melissa: Thank you so much Melissa! Yes, it is sometimes best not to know ... I think I'll wait for the pages to write themselves too. Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Excellent writing, Kit! Captivating from beginning to end! Denise |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Kit I loved it! My kind of story!!! Half the fun is getter there. (just remind me about that statement would ya?) LOL Excellent story and written so well! |
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