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Open Poetry #16
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The Lost & Found of Life
| Open Poetry #16 |
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The Lost & Found of Life |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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The Lost & Found of Life I saw a woman wandering across the street today, She looked bewildered so I tried to help her find her way; I walked right up beside her, and I said when I was near, "Excuse me Ma'am, you look so lost. How can I help you dear?" Disoriented, she replied, "How kind of you to ask." "I'm looking for the Lost & Found … it's not an easy task!" "The Lost & Found?" I scratched my head, "I've never seen one here." But as I spoke … behind her, noticed something had appeared. I swore the shop behind her, was a little bar and grill, But now the sign said "Lost & Found" … I felt a sudden chill; I tried to shrug it off, and said, "Is this the one you meant?" She turned and gasped, "I guess it is!" and in the store she went. I followed her into the shop that used to be the bar, I don't know why… it just seemed strange, a little too bizarre; But as I entered, sure enough, the place had been transformed, I saw the lady moving 'tward a clerk in uniform. He stood behind a counter, in a coat of brilliant white, The crest upon his jacket said "The Lost & Found of Life"; He was a gentle, peaceful man, with long and graying hair, His face a little wrinkled, and a smile that seemed sincere. He greeted us so warmly, in a kind and caring tone, And instantly, I felt at ease, unlike I'd ever known; He said, "You're my first customers! Come in and look around." "I'm sure I have what you've been missing, in my Lost & Found." I glanced about the shop expecting ordinary things, I looked for socks and mittens, scarves and shoes, perhaps some rings; He gave a little laugh, and said "We specialize, my dear." He motioned to the back, and smiled, "You'll find things over here." The woman I had entered with, walked over and she sighed, "That's it!" she cried, and rummaged through the box deep down inside; I heard them whisper back and forth, I stayed there in my thoughts, Not wanting to intrude upon her search for what she'd lost. They talked for quite a while, and then she hugged the gentle man, I watched her as she walked toward the door with empty hands; She smiled and said, "It's your turn now," and thanked me for my help, With purpose in her stride, she squeezed my hand and then walked out. I turned to see the clerk who motioned me to walk his way, I uttered, "You don't understand, I've lost nothing today." "We've all lost something." he replied, "I'd like to help you dear." "So many feel quite overwhelmed, throughout the world, I fear." He lifted up the lid and rummaged through the things within, Just little slips of paper, written all by hand, in pen; I read with grief and sorrow … all the simple words inscribed, My tears began to fall, "I've lost them all …" I meekly cried. I read of "hope" and "optimism", "confidence" and "will", And though I hadn't known it, found I recognized more still, I'd lost my true "convictions", saw the "trust" that I had banned, My "freedom" and my "sanctuary", "faith" in fellow man. "What you have lost," he said to me, "Is tangible and real." "You have a right to grieve that loss ... you have a right to feel." "It's natural to be dismayed, for these are troubled times," "And all I ask is that you try to keep an open mind." "Go on about your business. Live your life as you do best." "Support the good in others, and remember … life's a test." "There is no magic formula to help you through these days." "Just focus on the good and share your heart in other ways." "Don't cower in the shadows. Do not hide beneath your tears." "That's what they want, don't let them win … be strong amidst these fears." "Believe that good shall overcome, and put your faith in God," "And trust that peace will someday come, both here and far abroad." I gave the man a grateful hug, and felt my sorrows lift, I hadn't known I'd lost so much, and thanked him for this gift; His faith and reassuring words still echoed in my mind, As I walked 'tward the door and saw an ever-growing line. The people looked bewildered, so I walked up to one man, I smiled and said, "It's your turn now," and gently squeezed his hand; He looked at me and sighed, "I don't know how or why I'm here." I gave this fellow man a hug, and said, "I do, my dear." I walked out with a purpose, armed with strength to persevere, To "live" this life with trust and hope, and "not" to live in fear. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Kit, this is wonderful! I hope many take it and share it with their neighbors, schools and churches... what was once lost, can be found again! |
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The Lady of Shallot Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818USA |
My dear, bravo.......glorious writing. Not only the talent but the heart behind it. You cannot manufacture that nor learn it in English class. -befriend yourself and you will never be alone- |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
MAGNIFICENT!!!Please may I take a copy of this and give it to my friends? The message here is so very important and needs to be shared with everyone. Thank you, so much, for using your talent to say something that will touch every soul who hears it. Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, Bravo and Amen. This is a wonderful write. I think your giving Balladeer some competition. Love it. *L* |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggsssssss) BRAVO!!! Oh Kit, can I too share this poem with all my loved ones? This is such a beautiful poem all about enlightenment and seeking pleasure and faith that we will overcome all that we feel we've lost, but really we have gained a love so special. BRAVO!!! I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THIS!!! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(big hugggsssssss) BRAVO!!! Oh Kit, can I too share this poem with all my loved ones? This is such a beautiful poem all about enlightenment and seeking pleasure and faith that we will overcome all that we feel we've lost, but really we have gained a love so special. BRAVO!!! I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THIS!!! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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sunshinemist Senior Member
since 2001-09-29
Posts 595Fl. sunshines early mist |
Kit, Very well written. I enjoyed this read. You have captured everything that are special gifts to each of us. Thank you for sharing this.  ~hugs~ smiles ~Marie~ |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Simply wonderful... You've submitted this to the main site, right???..  |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Kit, Just a fantastic write! Into the library it goes. A keeper for sure. ~Hugs, NancyLee~ ~I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before.~ |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Kit, this is so uplifting and touching and beautiful. A superb write, adding to my library  Maree |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
uh, do I like this one? Gee...let me think  Kit...you are amazing! You take an important message and wrap it into a story that raises goosebumps on the skin as it slips into the reader's mind. This is a wonderful display of your unending abilities. I salute you, dear poetess...  |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Kit, This is just wonderful. I loved it. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Kit.....how much can we all learn from this little Lost and Found shop if only we would go there.....I enjoyed this very much. It is priceless. |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is very good. I really enjoyed reading it. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I'm getting in line right after this post. Thanks for such an incredible uplifting story. |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Oh my...Kit, you have outdone even yourself here. I am awestruck, I am speechless with the beauty of this story. It kept me spellbound all through. Stupendous, amazing, glorious, beautifull, wonderfull.....I'm running out of adjectives, so I shall simply say that I enjoyed this immensely If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
"What you have lost," he said to me, "Is tangible and real." "You have a right to grieve that loss ... you have a right to feel." "It's natural to be dismayed, for these are troubled times," "And all I ask is that you try to keep an open mind." Wonderful Kit, we DO have the right to grieve these things... "Don't cower in the shadows. Do not hide beneath your tears." "That's what they want, don't let them win … be strong amidst these fears." "Believe that good shall overcome, and put your faith in God," "And trust that peace will someday come, both here and far abroad." And we DO have to get our strength back to start living each day, as it only comes once! Now you know this is getting read to the seniors, not only on the 3rd floor but every single floor on Tuesday right? This was not only excellent but needed Kit, and I am now sending this (with your name on it) to every person I know living in fear as there is no need to. Thank you for this one. ~I always have time to listen to someone talking from their heart~ |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Sunshine: Thank you for this lovely comment Karilea … I hope others can take some comfort in these thoughts, as I took comfort in writing it, many thanks to you. The Lady of Shallot: What a wonderfully encouraging response Lady of Shallot, thank you so very much for these kind words, I am very grateful. Startime: Please feel free to share it with whomever you like Startime … this is one of the reasons I love Passions so very much. It gives us the opportunity to share our thoughts. Thank you for sharing yours with me. Seymour: Michael and I have been known to collaborate many times Sy, and my admiration for his writing is immeasurable. Thank you so much for the bravo and amen … I'm so appreciative that you enjoyed. Mistletoe Angel: What a beautiful response Noah … you've given me a great big hug around this heart. Please do share this with whomever you like … I would be honoured. Thank you for these lovely sentiments. Sunshinemist: Thank you for enjoying this piece Marie, many hugs to you for these tender thoughts. Nan: I hadn't when I first read your note Nan, but I decided to afterward. Thanks for the suggestion my friend … I'm glad you enjoyed. Enchantress: Thank you so much for the kind words NancyLee, I'm very grateful you enjoyed this piece! Dark Angel: I'm so appreciative you found this ballad uplifting Maree … I hoped it may raise a few spirits, thank you for letting me know, much appreciated! Balladeer: Ah, my wonderful partner in rhyme … thank you so much for always being my inspiration and encouragement. Your sentiments mean so very much to me, many, many hugs to you sweet poet … you are a treasure to me. Nightshade: Thank you so much for the kind words Chris, I'm so very glad that you enjoyed! Magnus: Thank you for the sweet words Magnus … and I hope that in a sense, that I was able to take you there - no need to wait in line. Hugs for these lovely thoughts. SmartChick: Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this piece SmartChick, I'm very appreciative! Midnitesun: Oh, you're so welcome Midnitesun … and thank "you" for such a beautiful response, very much appreciated! Tracey: Oh my … Tracey, what a beautiful response. Thank you so very much for these encouraging words … they mean a great deal to me … thank you for this! Mysteria: Thanks so much for this wonderful response Sharon. I hope your friends enjoy this, and please do let me know their thoughts … thank you dear heart, many hugs to you. Much appreciation to you all, /Kit |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ I so appreciate the validation of our right to grieve the losses ... and hopefully the courage to go on giving to others. Never forgetting what we've lost ... yet seeking to go beyond~ "What you have lost," he said to me, "Is tangible and real." "You have a right to grieve that loss ... you have a right to feel." "It's natural to be dismayed, for these are troubled times," "And all I ask is that you try to keep an open mind." "Go on about your business. Live your life as you do best." "Support the good in others, and remember … life's a test." "There is no magic formula to help you through these days." "Just focus on the good and share your heart in other ways." Thank you, sweet lady~ Love you~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Oh My, I can't tell you how this poem overwhelmed me this morning. This is magical in every sense of the word, Kit. It made me smile - it made me cry - it gave me a sense of joy I seemed to have been lacking of late. This one definately is going into my book of favorites... Thank you. Michael |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
He lifted up the lid and rummaged through the things within, Just little slips of paper, written all by hand, in pen; I read with grief and sorrow … all the simple words inscribed, My tears began to fall, "I've lost them all …" I meekly cried. I read of "hope" and "optimism", "confidence" and "will", And though I hadn't known it, found I recognized more still, I'd lost my true "convictions", saw the "trust" that I had banned, My "freedom" and my "sanctuary", "faith" in fellow man. "What you have lost," he said to me, "Is tangible and real." "You have a right to grieve that loss ... you have a right to feel." "It's natural to be dismayed, for these are troubled times," "And all I ask is that you try to keep an open mind." "Go on about your business. Live your life as you do best." "Support the good in others, and remember … life's a test." "There is no magic formula to help you through these days." "Just focus on the good and share your heart in other ways." "Don't cower in the shadows. Do not hide beneath your tears." "That's what they want, don't let them win … be strong amidst these fears." "Believe that good shall overcome, and put your faith in God," "And trust that peace will someday come, both here and far abroad." ===================================== add my name to the list of both touched and impressed.... this poem is cooler than I have words for... not just for your gift of cadence that you can carry out effortlessly..also for the imagination and clever creativity of your story telling and imagery... but most of all for the heart and soul that this ones message spoke volumes of. You wrapped in rhyme the many emotions we are all feeling at this time of loss and anxiety. AWESOME write...AWESOME POET jmThis distance has shown how the road remains alone |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
We lose hope and find hopelessness, self-confidence replaced by fear, conviction lost, doubt found. Somehow in the terrible seesaw of this time here we need to secure quite firmly Love for it's loss is replced by hate and it can be our undoing. Thoughtful write. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Kit, I usually don't bother with the longer poems, but this one had me from the start. Glad I took the time to read. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Marge: You are welcome dear Marge, and thank you for such beautiful sentiments in return my friend, many hugs to you. Michael: You are so very welcome Michael, and thank "you" so much for this wonderful response, I'm so glad these words were able to touch you in this way. Janet Marie: Oh what can I say, dear JM ... your responses simply warm my heart each time. Thank you gator-gal for bringing on the smiles. RSWells: Your response holds much wisdom Richard ... indeed, we must hold on to love during these trying times. Thank you for these sentiments, they are much appreciated. PassingShadows: Thank you for taking the time to read through this longer ballad PassingShadows. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this piece. Much appreciation to all, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 10-15-2001).] |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Another excellent piece. You are the "Greatest". Thank you. Melton |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
Thank you for taking me into the shop, "Lost & Found", I found what I didn't know I had lost. |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
Thank you, Kit, my friend, for this one... We all need to read this many times in our lives... I think I needed to read this today... Regards, Sudhir |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Oh, Kit... If I simply breathed a "WOW!" would you understand that words and wit are too busy appreciating to respond? *S* The hairs on my neck are still standing... this is excellence from first word to last! |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Melton: Thank you so much for the kind words Melton ... I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, much appreciation! Inot2b: I'm glad I was able to take you into the shop Inot2b, and I'm grateful for your lovely thoughts! Sudhir: You're welcome my friend ... it's so nice to see you gracing these pages again, many hugs to you! Suthern: Thank you so much for these wonderful sentiments Suthern ... I'm happy you enjoyed this piece, much appreciated! Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, I read this at work and could hardly wait to get home to respond. I shared it immediately and I've only begun (ok?). Funny how we think others have needs and somehow we don't recognize our own. Such an inspirational, compelling story. Thank you. Thank you. Sin isn't fair, but God got even, grace isn't fair either. larry c [This message has been edited by Larry C (edited 10-17-2001).] |
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cpalmer Senior Member
since 2001-06-26
Posts 977Phoenix, Az |
Kit, I have to thank Larry for pointing this out to me! This is beautiful and has touched my life in a way I can't explain...thanks for your touching words! Hugs Cindi God is our inspiration; Words of the heart can be music to our ears |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Kit- As I read this, your words just reached in and grabbed hold of my heart and wouldn't let go. By the end, I had a great big lump in my throat. Thanks so much for writing and sharing this piece of wisdom and caring with us. And...I have to echo Marge...it's good to be reminded that we have a right to grieve... that what we have lost IS real. Wonderfully penned, my friend. Hugs, ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Very talented...James |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Larry: You're so very welcome Larry, and thank "you" for these incredible words of encouragement and understanding ... they are very much appreciated. Cindi: I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece Cindi, and that I was able to touch your life in this way. Thank you for these kind words. Vicky: Thanks so much for this beautiful response Vicky ... we all need a positive reminder in troubled times, and I hope in some small way, I was able to accomplish that. Many hugs to you for these lovely words. James: That is so lovely to hear James, thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this piece ... I am very grateful to you. Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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The Lady of Shallot Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818USA |
Your words honor poetry...this is for you. For your fine crafting, the work you put into each one and more importantly, the meaning behind them. They move me, touch me and comfort me. Thank you!  -befriend yourself and you will never be alone- |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
The Lady of Shallot: I was reviewing some of my thoughts a full year later, in remembrance of 911, and wanted to thank you so very much for your kind response. I apologize for not thanking your earlier. I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the news coverage this morning. It is indeed a day we will never forget ... With much appreciation, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (09-11-2002 07:07 AM).] |
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