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Open Poetry #20
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Widow's Walk.........collaberation with Kit McCallum
| Open Poetry #20 |
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Widow's Walk.........collaberation with Kit McCallum |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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 The Widow’s Walk The port was bustling by the bay, where fishing boats were docked, Another journey loomed ahead, as sailors laughed and talked; An organized confusion reigned, as vessels were prepared, While wives and children lined the pier to show how much they cared. With cargo safely ‘neath the hold, where nets and lines were stored, The Captain made his final call … “It’s time to come aboard!” The fog was softly rolling in, as tension filled the air, A mist clung to the gentle breeze, as senses came aware. The newlyweds clung to each other in the salty air, He wore a look of kind indulgence – she, one of despair; Only married for a week, she held her husband tight, Unwilling to release him to the silence of the night. He smiled and gently touched the cheek of his new, loving wife, Reminding her these were the pitfalls of a sailor’s life. There was no need to be afraid for he would be home soon, And, when he did, then they would have a real honeymoon. She saw the look of promise in her husband’s loving eyes, And heard his tender whispers as he comforted her cries; Her warm embrace was broken by the Captain’s final roar, Then watched her love climb up the plank, while she remained on shore. The ropes that anchored her to him, were loosened from their grip, She caught his eye and waved to him as he waved from the ship … She raced along the dock and blew him kisses as she flew, Until the distance swallowed him into the ocean’s view. The ship was taking goods to France – three months to there and back, Quite vulnerable to ocean storms and enemy attack; So many things to worry her and muddle up her mind, The voyages were just as hard for loved ones left behind. The weeks went by when she began, each night, to climb the stair, And spend time on the Widow’s Walk, that was constructed there. Hair whipping wildly in the wind, she strolled out for a sight, Of anything that could have been a fishing vessel’s light. She scanned the vast horizon, off and on as days went by, Anticipating his return … a twinkle in her eye; The doctor had confirmed what she suspected for a while … She rubbed her belly … “Soon” … she prayed, and gave a little smile. She gazed across the ocean and she heaved a heavy sigh, “It won’t be long,” she whispered, for three months had passed her by. She paced along the Widow’s Walk, expecting she would see, A sign that he was coming home to their new family. Another week had passed her by – another week – then more … Along the Widow Walk, her steps rang out on hardwood floor. There’d been no news of her man’s ship – nobody knew a thing, The town wives waited fearfully for news each day could bring. She fought the rising of her fears with every breath she took, Each night she strolled out to the sea, and tried her best to look, And see a glimmer of a spark illuminating night, A signal that her man was safe and they would be all right. The child within her slowly grew, with every passing day, Reminding her the length of time that he had been away; His ship was six months overdue the night his son was born, Her joy was laced with sorrow, as she cried into the morn. In weakened state, she gathered up her son and held him tight, Then traced her route toward the Widow’s Walk in early light; She stood upon the weathered boards and clutched her newborn son, Then walked the path she knew so well until the night was done. *~* *~* *~* So that’s the way my life began, those 30 years ago, What happened to my father? I guess we will never know. Mom trod the Widow’s Walk each night, for 20 years or more, Until at last, God’s angels came a-knocking at her door. I have a small son of my own to brighten up my day, We’ve lived in this same house since Momma gently passed away. The sailing ships go out no longer like they did back then, And Widow’s Walks are just a symbol of life way back when. On windy nights when strong winds blow, the boards creak pretty bad … At times my son gets startled, and he cries out “What’s that, dad?” I smile and say “Don’t worry, son,” and take him by the hand, And say … “That’s Grandma, Widow Walking, waiting for her man.” /Balladeer and Kit McCallum\ |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed reding it. |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Enjoyed, Enjoyed ! Fun read, you two ! You are both naturals at this ! Do some more ! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Does this have a familiar ring or what!? I love it...and I know Lady in White will love it just as much! A grand story, a wonderful poem...a most delightful collaboration! |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
What an excellent and thrilling duet for you both. This is one of the best I have read, and portrays of talents illustrious. ThisDiamond |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is a masterpiece. But I have a question.. is it easier to write when you're sitting right next to each other? Thank you so much for sharing this.... |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Kit and Balladeer! This is a masterpiece! You'll never know just how much I enjoyed this! *Is it easier to write on a stomach full of lobster?*  ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
’Deer and Kit, this is wonderful, but then how could it be anything else? Two masters of poetic form and rhyme combined to make a great poem an absolutely wonderful poem. I just had to check on PIP’s before I went, and I’m so glad I did, I get to answer before mum, again Mama you’re slacking darling mummy. Well, she isn’t but I wouldn’t let her on here until I’ve gone. Good night all you wonderful poets write some more this is splendid. This is a really wonderful collaboration, absolutely perfect writing xxx I really wish I could collaborate with someone Mum won’t she say’s writing with me is bad for her nerves.   Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  WOW!!! Oh my gosh, this is such a wonderful duet, sweet friends, I too dream of writing a duet with one of you or another poet here sometime sitting next to each other live! (big hugggssssss) This is wonderful, sweet friend, you two always bring such magic to the boards, we all love you so much! You have such beautiful hearts, sweet Kit and Balladeer, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
I do believe that this is the best poem collaborated by two shining poets that has graced the pages of PiP.... Bar none!!! Superb, outstanding, awesome.....and more!!! |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
I will have to ditto, Barry...absolutely incedible you two! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
smartchick..we're glad you enjoyed!! krawdad...thank you! Yes, our poetry does feel natural to us and I'm sure we'll do more. Thanks for reading... Sunshine..I've just been advised it IS remindful. Great minds must run alike! Thank you, shining one!Diamond lady..thank you for your kind words...glad you liked it! DeVine one...good question! I found it easier..Kit found it a little more difficult. It's nice having the immediate response and approval of the other in person and yet it can put one "under the gun", so to speak, to produce. In either case, it was lot of fun... Enchantress.....MUCH easier!! Especially when accompanied with clam chowder and stuffed quahogs! The poetry just flows!!! Krissy...LOL! Writing with you is bad for her nerves? Does that mean you intimidate her?? I'm sure you two could come up with a beaut!! Thanks, sweet Krissy, for your kindness! Noah,,,thank you, friend. I'm sure you will do that one day and it will be great... Magnus...we appreciate your applause VERY much! Writing with Kit is so easy...just wind her up and watch her go...she's awesome! Thank you for enjoying our offering, sir.. Duncan...glad you like it, good sir. I'm sure you and Tracy could come up with real gems...how about it?  |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
’Deer dearest heart and Kit darling girl, this is, in the words of my abominable daughter, perfect writing. As always the meter flow and rhyme are perfect, the story so touching I had tears in my heart. YOU both match your verses so perfectly that truly you cannot see the join. Utterly utterly perfect writing, and of course I love it utterly Krissy beloved daughter of mine, yes extremely bad for my nerves No, ‘Deer she doesn’t intimidate me, she steals all the best lines, and writes at a different pace. Writing with her is sheer torture, she places words with such exquisite care, where I simply write, she doesn’t, she says she creates. Krissy darling heart, are you surprised I won’t write with you? Mmmm? I absolutely love this wonderful perfect duet, always your works shine, together it becomes incandescent Absolutely excellent writing Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace Luke 2:79 |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
You two are the king and queen of cadence and story telling in rhyme. Loved the theme and imagery in this. Very cool you two and thanks for sharing part of your trip with us |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
You two write in poetic harmony, and hearing you read together was a wonderful experience. What a beautiful poem. It will stay in my memory. THank you Liz |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
Kit~ Balladeer~ What a treasure you have created, a fun read...a keeper.... I know you guys are having lots of fun, and it shows....what a special time for you all.... Lauren~ ~Sinking fast into a ocean of you, what if told you, what if I said that I love you do we dare cross that line between your heart and mine~ [This message has been edited by Greeneyes (04-22-2002 09:49 AM).] |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
Kit and Deer, You two this is just an awesome write! I loved reading this, and felt myself going faster and faster to find out what would happen next. You two sure do have a way with suspense, and a wonderful gift of writing, combined you are unstoppable! Take care. Amy "you can't stop |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I expected magnificence from the moment I saw the authors' names... but you exceeded my expectations. *S* If anyone needed proof that you two are poetic royalty, there shouldn't be even a scintilla of doubt remaining. *G* From first word to last, this is perfection... 'cept you didn't provide hankies. *G* Wonderful! |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Kit and 'Deer ~ This is a wonderful and touching story, when you two get together, you write gold!  Hey Michael! ~ Nice new pic. See, I told you that you were a cutie patootie  Take care, Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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Lady In White
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799USA |
Kit, 'Deer...Sunshine is right...I like this very much. You two work together so very well at poetry, that it doesn't seem like work at all, more of a gift to the rest of us from two fine minds... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement everyone ... you are all very much appreciated. This was such a treat for me to write with Michael in person. To see him in action is a treasure. We wrote this out on a couple of pieces of paper before typing it out ... and my parts were a scribbly crossed out mess, while Michael's looked like perfection from the first stroke of his pen to the last, lol. He is exceptional ... no doubt about it. Thank you Michael ...  Much appreciation and big hugs to all, /Kit |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Amazing!! Loved this. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
I love to read your stories and now Kit is taking part I think you did a swell job, it was written very smart The tale about the widow walk, you'll find it also here Even in the modern times there is this sense of fear one for Balladeer and one for KitTitia Oops, forgot: nice pic Deer A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... Check out my new website: lookheretitia.fcpages.com (I didn't 'link' this, so it won't take too much space).I [This message has been edited by Titia Geertman (04-23-2002 12:10 PM).] |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit & Balladeer~ Well ... I cried through the first two readings ... so had to come back for a third read ... still got a tiny-teary-trickle this time ... ~ Beautifully done you two ! *HUGS* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well you both know how I felt about this poem as I saw you read it, and heard it "live". I cried, but then I suppose that was what I had to do because you just couldn't let him come home could you? Oh no, not you two. By the way have I told you lately how incredible the two of you are? Well if not, I am telling you now and p.s. I miss you  ~* Sharon *~ |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you for all the beautiful comments everyone. They are very much appreciated. I'm just trying to play a little catch-up from my time away in Open. Ah Michael ... if right now, I could be back on that porch writing this, looking across the water, then skipping in to hand you the next installment, and see the grin on your face as you'd hand your next verses back to me ... I'd be there in a flash. Clicking heels and wishing ... "there's no place like Nan's ... there's no place like Nan's" ... Much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
me, too!!! In some ways I've never left....or will. Miss you bunches, my firend |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
What an absolutely SPECTACULAR piece of work.... I knew as soon as I saw both of your names...that this would be a very special poem! I'm go glad that you brought it back because I missed it the first time around... I think I missed everything during the month of April, so maybe one of these days I will go back and see what other goodies I missed. Congratulations to both of you on an absolutely PERFECT job  Lyra |
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NapalmsConstantlyConfused
since 2001-05-15
Posts 529 |
i am really really impressed. go team! -Dave |
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MIdsummerRain Member
since 2002-05-19
Posts 175St. Louis, Missouri |
Your coaboration was a "meant to be" this story, this poem, is the most splended one I have read...let the ink flow - both of you! The strands in your eyes |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Goodness, Balladeer and Kit, you two are wonderful. I love everyone I've read. Now to the next one. "Love makes the world go around" |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Got to missing everyone on a cold, rainy day, Cape Cod, The Christmastree Shop. I needed a quick fix, and what do you know, it worked! Carpe' Diem |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
So glad Sharon reposted the link of this so I can also add it to my library Ruth I am nothing special...and my name will soon be forgotten,but I've loved another with all my heart and soul,and to me,this has always been enough.~N.S |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I've read this many a time in the book but can't remember if I ever read it in here so here goes. Suspenseful, sad, and beautifully written! I honestly can't tell which one of you write which verses (poetic twins?). Anyways, great storytelling! |
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