Open Poetry #11 |
The Encounter.......Balladeer/Kit McCallum |
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Special thanks to Kit, the greatest collaborator this poet could ever have.... I stood there at the podium... poems there in front of me. The audience sat quiet... waiting for my poetry. The bookstore was the perfect setting for this small affair With posters from the 60's and lit candles everywhere. My eyes observed expectant faces in the seated crowd As I prepared to entertain and read my poems aloud When one face, in particular, stood out within my sight A face that was so beautiful my eyes shone with delight. My first time in this atmosphere, where poetry abounds, I wondered what the night would bring, and shyly glanced around; I settled down into my chair and glanced about the room, Anticipation filled the crowd, though I knew not, for whom. The murmur of the bustling group was quickly hushed in place, I turned in their direction ‘tward this handsome, gentle face; He stood behind the podium, and waited patiently, He scanned the eager audience, then locked his eyes on me. Then I began my reading, tried to weave my magic spell. From audience reaction I felt I was doing well. I read a blend of humor, love and object fantasy And was quite pleased the way the audience accepted me. I read as my eyes scanned the room - the bookstore was quite full Yet, more and more, my eyes were drawn by some magnetic pull To that one face, so sweet and pretty, smiling up at me And she became the object of my words of poetry. I listened as he read aloud, the yarns that he would weave, The words he spoke … the stories, that were born from make-believe; In rapt attention, I was drawn toward his tales of life, Enthralled by all the fantasies he conjured up this night. And as he read, I focussed on the voice I’d come to know, The subtle, wry inflections as his tone moved high and low; Enraptured by the beauty of the words that he displayed, I dwelled in admiration of his anecdotes portrayed. By now I was quite mesmerized...my words for her alone I had no doubt that she could sense the feelings in my tone. The audience had disappeared completely from my sight And there was only she and I alone there in the night. My poems became more passionate!...her eyes began to shine I had no doubt her feelings were quite similar to mine. Between the lines, I fell in love as verse flowed smooth and free To that young girl whose bright eyes shone and stared right back at me. I flowed along the rhythm that he played out in my heart, Entranced within the beauty of the words that he’d impart; Held captive by his ardent gaze …impassioned by this man, I found he knew my inner self, and felt my heart expand. I lingered on his every word, he stroked my very soul, His voice became hypnotic, as I lost my self-control; Between his lines, I realized what I’d been longing for, And here he was, a gaze away ... I wanted ... needed more. The night was coming to its end...my final poem was read. I looked out to the clapping hands and, smiling, bowed my head. I gathered up my papers quickly, shook a hand or two Then checked the room for my love who had disappeared from view. I saw her near the exit, hesitating at the door. I tried to act quite nonchalant as I rushed down the floor. The way she stood there, barely moving, made me sure that she Had known that I would seek her out and she was there for me. One moment I was drifting in the sweetness of his words, But soon my reverie was gone through loud applause I heard; I made my way through throngs of fans, and hastened to the door, I closed my eyes and said a prayer in hopes of having more. In sweet anticipation, as I hesitated there, I turned to see him walking ‘tward me … silence filled the air; His eyes held love and promise, and I offered him my hand, This gentle soul who knew my heart … this charming, handsome man. He paused and as I saw his eyes, they twinkled with delight, As we walked out together ... hand in hand into the night. |
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© Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
Once I made it to the second stanza and realized where this was going, I was thinking to myself! "YES!!! HE DID IT!!!" This was a top-notch downright spellbinding treat for me to experience. Thank you, sir! |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
I can not find the words to say how much I enjoyed this. I felt as if I was intruding on a private moment in time. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Balladeer you couldn't possibly find a sweeter more skilled collaborating partner. This flowed like magic all the way through as two seasoned gifted poets painted a picture of love.....good choice Balladeer and congradulations to Kit for helping to create such an enjoyable work! take care ethome |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Well, when you take and mix the right chemistry, y'all end up with Platinum! Kudos to you both! I really enjoyed this... |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
a gentle, beautiful read...now where can I find a setting such as this... ~Smiles to you both...a very nice collaboration ~Wynter "The worst prison would be a closed heart". ...Pope John Paul II |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
BRAVO!!!*sigh* a brilliant couple you both make. Much love and Christmas hugs to you from me. Love I leave with you my friend whether it be in your life or of yet the essense of your dreams. http://path2riches.com |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ and Balladeer~ This is beautifully rendered. A lovely gifting of two talented poets. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
You two BOTH need to be kissed for this one what a wonderful collaboration ... you MUST do more of these ... pleeeeeze *clapping and sighing* later-perfect-duets-gators jm |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer and Kit...What a wonderful poem you put together...romance just like it should be...beautifully done!! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
a little BTTT just because I believe in elves... Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
I do believe that I just read my most beautiful Christmas present this year. Kit and Michael; the two of you penning together is definitely like mixing superb with tremendous and coming up with perfection personified. Truely a wonderful verse from beginning to end and most definitely had the mesmerizing down to an art. I loved this one and it goes in my file. A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. author unknown |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Kit and Deer, perfect, IWIHWT. be strong, write on Keth Religion is for people frightened about going to hell - Spirituality is for people who have been there. Anon. |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
I enjoyed this very much, it was romantic and I too, felt as if I were watching a movie where you are on the edge of your seat waiting....waiting....for you know....waiting.... "Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell." Joan Crawford |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Eagle Scorpion...and we thank YOU for such a wonderful comment! inot2B..that was what we aimed for and you would never be an intrusion ethome...you are SO right! Kit is the best one could ever hope for..she is brilliant. Thank you! Sunshine..thank you, Karilea! Yes, chemistry is very important and we have it..... Wynter...these settings are everywhere and a girl like you would fit in just perfectly! Startime...thank you! Couples with similar styles can do well...glad you enjoyed! Marge...Why, thank you! Wanna collaborate sometime? Janet MArie...well, I can't speak for Kit but I'M ready to receive!! Thank you, Spam sweetie Martie...should be but too seldom is that is, except in your case with that wonderful husband of yours! Thank you, Martie Mark...it's an honor being in your file. Thank you for your wonderful words and I'm sure Kit will appreciate them, also Kethry...a large compliment I thank you! Rose...that was the effect we had hoped for..thank you for being on the edge of your seat |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
KIT'n'KUDOS DEER ones!!!.. |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
Great job, you two! Excellent writing! |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
~Nan, Doreen and all who Michael responded to above ... thanks so much for the wonderful comments! This was an absolute pleasure to write ... and I must thank you once again Michael. You are a treasure of words and thoughts, and I'm so pleased we were able to join minds briefly to pen this together. You have a wonderful talent that I so greatly admire. Should you ever wish a partner in rhyme again ... I would be most honoured my friend! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart and Kit darling girl, How on earth did I miss this? Surely I didn’t have anything else to do when this was posted did I? This is truly stunning writing. Always your words flow with truth and reality not just hearts sighs, not just whispering on the edge of night, together your voices floats through the starry skies like angels’ breath. When you two duet its always wondrous, I’m always held enraptured and eager to read more. Both of you fine writers, amazingly and real writers I admire you both so much but when you mix the two Ohhh my. I only know that whether your words are dropping into my soul like the gentle rain that refreshes the desert or the fire that sweeps through purifying and clearing the way for renewal it is always wonderful. I love the images as always no one can do this so well you two. I’m off to read the next x x x Absolutely excellent work Love and warm stuff As always Mushy Breathe through the heat of our desire |
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RosePetal
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
I wasnt around to read this one before but im glad I read it now. Poetry at its best by two of the most talented writers I know. well done!! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Whoa! A Fine Write! |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Man, this is marvelous...Can't wait to find the next one.... "Love makes the world go around" |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Wow!!!! A very romantic story!!!! LOVED IT!!! Bridgette "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I remember this one--and I'm sure I didn't reply then because I was clapping too. smiling wide here |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
First, thank you, Karen, for bringing this to the forefront again. Kit and Balladeer, You wrote magic and I am spell-bound still. What a beautiful story you both wove - I am in awe everytime I read the poetry that you have written together. If you did not break it into colors, I would never know where one left off and the other picked up. That's an amazing thing to see. I love this and am saving it. I always love a good love story. Alison |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, ladies and you're right, Alison. Kit and I write with the same pen...and I'm honored to do so. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks Karen and Alison. And Michael? Any time you're ready to pen again ... you know I'd love to. Best wishes and hugs, /Kit |
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