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Kit McCallum
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Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2000-09-13 07:26 AM


Sheltered in Your Arms - For my Father

Nostalgia brings upon the day, where photos of my youth,
Draw back the distant memories, the gentle side of truth;
There was a time when I was young, 'twas rocked within your arms,
Your gentle strength consumed by infant tenderness and charms.

I see you dad, your smile and warmth, the pride upon your face,
While in your arms, I'm cradled in this snapshot, filled with grace;
And as I turn the pages of these cherished memories,
I see you there beside me, as I grew from infancy.

A treasured figure in my eyes, the father I revered,
So bold and strong, 'twas nothing that my hero ever feared;
I placed you on a pedestal, for daddies, they knew all,
And though sometimes I made mistakes, you always caught my fall.

Impetuous and driven through my teenage years, I was,
But always you stood by me, gave your warmth, your care, your love;
And when I strayed, you offered me the wisdom of your years,
Though sometimes I could hear it not, through tantrums or through tears.

But try, you did, to guide me with the lessons that you taught,
Now tucked within my youthful mind years later, to be sought;
My wiser soul looks back upon this long, well-traveled path,
To realize you taught me well ... now daddy, "please don't laugh".

I know you wondered often, where you had gone wrong sometimes,
For in my slight exuberance, I walked a narrow line;
But steadfastly you were my rock, though I not always showed,
The feelings deep within my heart, for all your love bestowed.

So if I haven't thanked you for the patience you have shown,
As I was slowly learning from your strength that I have known,
Then dad, it's time I told you, for I think it every day,
I'm grateful for the love we've shared, for all your caring ways.

So for your patience, love and strength; the life that we have had,
Please know that in my heart of hearts ... I love you, my dear dad.


/Kit McCallum

© Copyright 2000 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
1 posted 2000-09-13 07:31 AM


This is wonderful, Kit... As I see my own dad deal with advancing age, and I reflect upon those years bygone, I'm sooooo appreciative of these words... a little envious as well... Nice job..
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
2 posted 2000-09-13 07:38 AM


This is fabulous poetry, Kit...

really great...

Thanks for sharing,
regards,
sudhir

Marina
Member Elite
since 2000-02-10
Posts 2245
Pickering, Ontario
3 posted 2000-09-13 10:34 AM


Very nice Kit!  You have penned a beauty here.

Marina


It is a blessing to have wings for words, and passion in pen
Marina Crossley



Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

4 posted 2000-09-13 02:45 PM


Kit, this is by far one of the most moving poems I have yet to read, anywhere, and I thank you for sharing it here. Such a unique way of saying "I love you"!

~ Claire

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau


Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
5 posted 2000-09-13 05:25 PM


~Nan: Thank you so much Nan ... I do treasure my dad. I write so much poetry for my mom, I think he's sometimes neglected, but never in my heart.  

~Sudhir:  Thank you for the "fabulous" Sudhir ... I appreciate your words of encouragement!  

~Marina:  I'm very grateful for this beautiful comment Marina, thank you!  

~Claire:  This is one of the most moving responses Claire, I thank you so much for these words.  Some days, I just need to say "I love you" just because, you know?  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Dee
Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330
Queensland, Australia
6 posted 2000-09-13 05:37 PM


Kit, This poem touched me as I lost my Dad almost two years ago. I had the chance to say the things you wrote about but all I could say was "I love you, Dad" when it was too late for him to understand. Thank you for your words I will read and reread them for a long time.
Love,
Dee

BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
7 posted 2000-09-13 05:52 PM


This is just so very beautiful Kit, I lost my Dad several years ago, but all you have written here is so moving, words I never really got a chance to say and it is just wonderful that he will know that love in your heart.  Bonnie
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
8 posted 2000-09-13 07:53 PM


Kit~
This is such a moving piece of pure love
and graciousness.
Having a chance to let him know is a wonderful thing.

Beautifully done, my friend.
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
9 posted 2000-09-13 09:01 PM


Kit this is such a wonderfully touching piece!

You've said it all in here. Frame this one Kit, it's a treasure to any Dad's heart!

<*\\\><

Be an organ donor...give your heart to Jesus!

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
10 posted 2000-09-13 09:03 PM


Kit--I know your dad is proud of the loveliness of heart that is his daughter...This poem is wonderful!
Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
11 posted 2000-09-14 09:07 AM


So if I haven't thanked you for the patience you have shown,
As I was slowly learning from your strength that I have known,
Then dad, it's time I told you, for I think it every day,
I'm grateful for the love we've shared, for all your caring ways.

So for your patience, love and strength; the life that we have had,
Please know that in my heart of hearts ... I love you, my dear dad.

ANY DAD would be so proud to hear these words from their child...it is how we know that we have done a decent job as a parent. Looks and sounds like your dad worked overtime in the caring and loving dept.  Beautiful write.

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
12 posted 2000-09-14 08:32 PM


~Dee:  I'm so sorry for your loss Dee ... I'm sure he heard your words and took comfort in knowing. Thank you for this lovely comment, and please take care.  

~Bonnie:  I think our actions speak as loudly as our words Bonnie, and I'm sure he knew your love for him.  Thank you so much for these beautiful words, and hugs to you.  

~Marge:  Thank you so much Marge for this beautiful response. I did e-mail it to my dad, and got a great big "I Love You" right back with a huge thank you with exclamation marks and kisses and hugs. Sigh ... that's the best thanks I could ever ask for.  

~WhtDove:  Oh, thank you for saying so Rebecca. I think I might just do that for Christmas, what a great idea! Thank you!  

~Martie:  I'm fortunate to know dad is proud of me Martie ... we talk quite a bit, and our family has been through a great deal together. Much love goes around, but I just can't miss an opportunity sometimes to make absolutely sure they know ...  

~Mark:  Smiling here Mark ... he did work overtime. I gave him a "bit" of a hard time, but my brother and sister have run them through the mill. I love my siblings dearly, but always strive to show my parents how much I learned from their love and strength. Thanks so much Mark!  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

Balladeer
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
13 posted 2000-09-14 08:39 PM


This is such beautiful writing, Kit. It is not only a glowing testament of love to your father but also a very excellent poem...makes me wish I were your dad  
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
14 posted 2000-09-14 08:54 PM


~Balladeer:  You are so sweet Michael ... maybe not my "dad", but surely, in all seriousness, you are my poetic mentor.  Thanks so much for this wonderful response Michael!  

Much appreciation,
/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 09-14-2000).]

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