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Open Poetry #16
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Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2001-11-06 11:16 PM


Step Right Up

I heard the barker starting up … I listened to his spiel …
"Just step right up!" He yelled to all, with vigor and appeal;
"Yes, step right up!" He yelled again, "Come see it - One and all!"
"The most amazing site you'll ever see! Come one - Come all!"

"It's just beyond the curtain! It's a freak of human kind!"
"A spectacle, the likes of which will simply blow you mind!"
"It walks, it talks - just feast your eyes, and listen to it speak."
"You'll laugh until you cry … you'll be the first to see this freak!"

"So hurry! Hurry! Gather 'round - Just moments left to go!"
"Now don't miss out, I promise you - you'll love this little show!"
"So step up folks, it's filling fast. It only costs a dime!"
"Lets come on now, and don't be shy ... just get yourself in line!"

The drone of people's voices seemed to fill the tiny tent,
Anticipation rising, waiting for the grand event!
I sensed the house-lights dim, a hush then fell upon the crowd,
When all at once, the barkers voice, began again, aloud …

"You're here my friends, to witness such a rare phenomenon,"
"A marvel in the truest sense … let's get this curtain drawn!"
The dark red drape began to move, a stillness filled the night,
I squinted as the spotlight glared … and felt a tinge of fright.

I raised my hand to shield my eyes, the audience jumped back,
I moved toward the beam of light, as hoards of people gasped;
I banged into the wall of glass, and felt across the pane,
A box encircled all of me … escape would be in vain.

My eyes adjusted to the light, the barker yelled, "Sit down!"
I stumbled back into my chair, with people all around;
"Just feast your eyes," I heard him say, "This creature is quite rare."
"The greatest show on earth," he said, "Is right before you here."

He asked me several questions, and I answered each in truth,
It felt like an interrogation, here within this booth;
Each time I spoke, the crowd leaned in as if they couldn't hear,
I saw their shock, then gales of laughter quickly filled the air.

The audience became unglued, hysteria ensued,
They pointed, gawked and jeered at me … they hissed and laughed, and booed;
I felt my heart just tear in two, I crumbled to the floor …
I would not give them satisfaction, so replied no more.

The curtain then was drawn across the stage from where I lay,
I heard the people laughing as they turned and walked away;
I mustered up my strength, and waited for the second wave,
I whispered, "Don't give up," and then I hung my head and prayed.

I heard the barker starting up … I listened to his spiel …
"Just step right up!" He yelled to all, with vigor and appeal;
"An optimist! You heard me right … we have one on display!"
"Come ladies, children, gentlemen ... Step up and don't delay!"

"A spectacle in your backyard, she's quite a bit deranged!"
"Come see this freak of nature ... who believes the world can change!"


/Kit McCallum

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 11-07-2001).]

© Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
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Portland, Oregon
1 posted 2001-11-06 11:22 PM




(sigh) Some may never believe one can make a change so beautiful, but like John Lennon said, "Many think I am a dreamer, but I am happy to be a dreamer!". (smiles) Always listen to your beautiful heart, and you will make such a beautiful change that will flood the world with love! (smiles) Your heart always shines with love, sweet Kit, we all love you so much! (kiss on cheek) You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Alan
Senior Member
since 2000-09-12
Posts 1499
right next door
2 posted 2001-11-06 11:22 PM


Where's the line...I Love this...
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
3 posted 2001-11-06 11:26 PM


I don't have to be convinced I believe!  Fantastic write Kit, and also a wonderful enlightening message.  Loved it!

~*~  Carpe' Diem  ~*~

doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
4 posted 2001-11-06 11:36 PM


sounds like you've been following me around the internet... lol!!!!!

seriously....

they;ve raised the curtain
pushed the dor
found me sitting there
once more,
smiled and laughed
interrogated
"Love is all you need",
i stated.

dodging bullets,
i should know,
paramount
to some freak show
named by pessimistic
claimers...

hell! there's heaven!
whadda they know?

...............
loved your poem, miss Kit..... you are a Poet, first letter capitalized!!!!  

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
5 posted 2001-11-07 12:07 PM


Kit,
I rarely admit utter bouts of envy. My goodness, I'm green from head to toe. I just hack and write but you, my friend, have a God given gift. Am I ever grateful that I get to experience it. Yet another keeper! Thanks.     

[This message has been edited by Larry C (edited 11-07-2001).]

JulieAnn
Senior Member
since 2000-06-12
Posts 754
Earth 3rd Rock from the sun!!
6 posted 2001-11-07 12:26 PM


great writing here.....I LOVED it!!!!!So true......I just wish one optimist COULD make a difference.....hhhmmm!!!
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2001-11-07 01:13 AM


Could your cadence be any cooler????  
you are SOOO clever my girlie...
You have got these story poems down to a fine art....
You HAVE to be an Optimist...
cuz everywhere you go...
PEOPLE ARE SMILING    
I will have to make sure Mark sees this one...
hes an Aquarian Optimist...  
"focus on the positive"  
very very cool and creative Kit gator.
me

Midnitesun
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Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
8 posted 2001-11-07 01:25 AM


I hereby proclaim this to be the most optimistic Poem of the Day...at least in my book, and there is a lot of great competition out there.   May I keep it, please???

[This message has been edited by Midnitesun (edited 11-07-2001).]

Rick
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia
9 posted 2001-11-07 05:55 AM


Dear Kit, with this beautifully written poem you have made us all the believer in the box, thank you for this story which tells so much.
You always amaze with your gift.

Sincerely
Rick

rosepetals25
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Member Elite
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076
PA
10 posted 2001-11-07 07:41 AM


Kit,

     Wow... I love this! You are SO good!!! Thank you for sharing this...

Hugs,
Tara

Marge Tindal
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since 1999-11-06
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
11 posted 2001-11-07 09:36 AM


Kit~
This is so remarkably well-written~
What a wonderfully uplifting piece of ponder~

You're good gal ... real good~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

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

The Lady of Shallot
Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818
USA
12 posted 2001-11-07 10:16 AM


Kit, this is one of your best, until the next    

-befriend yourself and you will never be alone-

The Lady of Shallot
Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818
USA
13 posted 2001-11-07 11:23 AM


I tried to sign your homepage but for some reason had trouble sending it. It's beautiful, informative and as a lover of art I loved the wealth of expression I viewed there. The java scripts were so real! Thank you for the time and effort you put into it!

-befriend yourself and you will never be alone-

Lucie
Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077
Houston
14 posted 2001-11-07 11:46 AM


I for one have a multitude of dimes and would spend them all just to be in the same room with another optimist..   This was wonderfully well written and kept me enthralled especially when the point of veiw was revealed. I am glad you your a freak.. like me.  

With perseverance even the snail reached the Ark.


Lady In White
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since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799
USA
15 posted 2001-11-07 02:20 PM



How well this suits the all of me...one of your best, ever.  You never fail to twist your poetry at the end...

but I have it on good authority, that you have taken some hints from the best around here...

Brava!

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
16 posted 2001-11-07 02:43 PM


Kit--you got me with those last lines, girl...the whole poem is a masterpiece.  Exceptional writing!!
Interloper
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
17 posted 2001-11-07 03:06 PM


As much as I dislike being categorized with Larry C, I must agree with him.  Just know my shade of green is more palatable

I think all of us glass-half-full-folk ought to stand and applaud.

GR8 thunderous applause!

Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
18 posted 2001-11-08 07:55 AM


Thanks so much everyone!  I promise to come back tonight, and thank you all individually. You poet people sure know how to make me smile!  

Big hugs to all - I'll be back,
/Kit

Robert A
Member
since 2001-10-29
Posts 174

19 posted 2001-11-08 11:30 AM


yeah, this is neat, this is a cool poem, sounds like you really know what you're doing!
suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
20 posted 2001-11-08 02:52 PM


You bet I'll step right up
But not just to see...
Maybe some of that opti-stuff
Will rub off on me.  

Flawless poem, Kit... love it!

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
21 posted 2001-11-08 09:53 PM


Mistletoe Angel:  Thank you so much for such a sweet response Noah … I think it is you who has the sweetest heart.  

Alan:  LOL … not sure where the line is Alan, but I'm glad you'd like to join the show, thank you!  

Mysteria:  LOL … yes Sharon … of anyone I know, I know that you believe my friend. Care to join me in the box? Maybe between the two of us, we'll convince them yet!  

doreen peri:  Aha! I KNEW there was more of us out there! Thank you so much for the wonderfully poetic response Doreen. Big hugs to you!  

Larry C:  We're all just writers of the same mold Larry … I thank you for this encouragement, and please know that I enjoy everyone here, including yourself, with as much enthusiasm. Many thanks.  

JulieAnn:  Oh I do hope one can make a differnce JulieAnn, and another, and another, and another … many thanks for this sweet response.  

Janet Marie:  Thanks so much JM. You know it's funny, but I'm really down tonight, and as I'm writing back to you … I appreciate the warm hug I feel like I just got from your words. Thank you my friend.  

Midnitesun:  I'm glad you enjoyed Midnitesun … I hope it's contagious, and that optimism runs rampant. Many thanks.  

Rick:  I'm very appreciative Rick, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, and are a believer … much appreciated.  

rosepetals25:  Thanks so very much for the kind words Tara … I am very grateful for your thoughts.  

Marge Tindal:  Oh Marge … big hugs to you for the wonderful lady that you are … thank you for these kind thoughts.  

The Lady of Shallot:  Thank you so much for the lovely sentiments Lady of Shallot, and for taking the time to visit my site. I wish I had more time to play with the graphics and animations. I truly enjoy that kind of thing. Many thanks.  

Lucie:  I'm so glad you enjoyed the changeup in the point of view Lucie … that was my hardest stumbling blocks in this one. I'm glad it came across OK .. many thanks for your kind words.  

Lady In White:  I'm glad you enjoyed the twist Lady In White, and that you are a fellow optimist and could relate to this piece. Thank you for the lovely thoughts.  

Martie:  Thank you so much Martie … your responses mean a great deal to me, and I'm so grateful you enjoyed this piece.  

Interloper:  It's funny that you write of the glass half-full Interloper. I myself often see the glass half-empty … and in my writing, try and change my own perceptions on life. Some days it works, some days not … many thanks for the kind thoughts.  

Robert A:  LOL … I don't know if I know what I'm doing Robert … but I sure do try anyway. Many thanks, and Welcome to Passions!  

Southern:  If I was able to have a little rub off on others Southern … then I'm a happy gal indeed. That's the most I can hope for. Many hugs to you.  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

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