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Open Poetry #21
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Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2002-07-01 12:14 PM


This is the fourth of a series of poems by us following the lives of two characters from meeting to marriage to...who knows where? For those interested in following from the beginning the previous segments are here:
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/pip/Forum48/HTML/003155.html
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THE FAMILY BEGINS...

Beneath the glow of candlelight, her husband looked absurd,
His eyes were wide and questioning . unsure of what he'd heard;
"I know I've gained a pound or two," she giggled with a sigh,
"But it's not from the chocolate cake, the steak or apple pie ."

He stammered as his eyebrows lifted, shock was in his eyes,
She watched his face to see his dawn of understanding rise;
"Are you.... ?" he whispered to his wife, as he began to sway .
"You mean.... ?" he mumbled frantically ... then fainted right away!

When he awoke his head was nestled gently in her lap.
Disoriented, he thought he was waking from a nap
And then it all came back to him - the words she had to say
The fact that his amazing wife was in a family way!

So many thoughts rushed through his mind and all of them were good.
He thought of all the special things that came with fatherhood.
He knew there was no greater joy than raising family
And he and his young wife would have that opportunity!

She watched him slowly coming to, his eyes were full of love,
She cradled him within her arms while gazing from above;
She thought of all the happy things they'd share along the way,
And vowed to cherish every moment . each and every day.

She leaned to kiss him on the cheek, but as she bent her head,
A queasy feeling bellowed up from deep within instead!
She jumped up from the floor, and threw her husband to the right .
Then raced toward the balcony, and heaved into the night!

The months went by so quickly they just disappeared from view.
It was amazing to him how the days and weeks just flew!
Each day she got a little bigger, burdened by her load.
He thought that, if she didn't stop, she surely would explode!

She told him that, through tests, the gender could be realized
But he was too old-fashioned. He would rather be surprised.
He didn't want to miss out on the happiness and joy
Of hearing "It's a girl!" or doctor shouting, "It's a boy!!!"

They chose some names ahead of time, so they would be prepared,
And shopped at all the baby stores, with every dime they spared;
Excitement grew in leaps and bounds, as quickly as her girth,
"Enough!" She sighed, "I'm way too big! I'm ready for this birth!"

As if on cue, she felt a twinge . anticipation climbed,
Contractions started, "This is it!" She yelled out as she timed.
She waddled down the stairs and called her husband to her side,
"I'm ready dear. Go get the car, I think I need a ride!"

"Oh, no!", he screamed. "Right now, you mean? You're going to have it NOW?
You SURE? You think the time has come? You really....HOLY COW!!!
I have to get your travel bag! Where is it? It was here!!!
Now where did that damn thing......?"She smiled and said, "I have it, dear."

He walked her to the car, sweat pouring freely down his face.
His hands were shaking, knees were weak....he was a basket case!
His neighbor, watering the lawn, called out a cheery "Hey!"
"My baby's having a wife!", he screamed out as they drove away.

She closed her eyes and held on tight . the ride a hectic blur,
They reached Emerg, and out he jumped . forgetting about HER!
She waited patiently, until he finally ran back,
And popped her in a wheelchair, as he gave his head a smack!

They filled out all the paperwork, then wheeled her to a bed,
He said, "I love you honey ." but she screamed at him instead!
Between her heavy breathing, as he coached his darling wife,
She called him names he'd never heard before in his whole life!

The angel he had known became a fiend before his eyes!
He watched her in amazement with his eyes wide in surprise.
He did his best to calm her as he gave her cheek a kiss
And said, "You have to push, dear..", to which she replied, "Push THIS!!!"

She screamed, she cried, she cursed, she begged, she pushed with all her might.
His hands were on her shoulders as he held on very tight.
The minutes seemed like hours. How long could this thing go on?!
And then a baby's cry and doctor's voice- "You have a son!"



"A son?" He questioned, "Are you sure? Is everything all there?"
Ten toes, ten fingers - ALL the parts, and even curly hair!
He was a perfect person, just a tiny little dream,
With lungs the size of Texas, from his first initial scream.

She heard the wail, and nothing else . such music to her ears,
Her pain was long forgotten now, along with all her fears;
She brushed a tear from off her cheek, and then outstretched her arms,
And gazed into the little face that glowed with infant charms.

The next few months were filled with lessons of child-rearing rules;
The midnight feedings, diaper changings, dress shirts filled with drool,
The banshee howls at three a.m. that made the bedroom shake
And he began to wonder if he made a big mistake!

But then he'd stare down at that face and see the shining eyes,
The way they followed everything in wonder and surprise.
He'd hear the sounds of laughter only innocents can make
And he knew then, beyond a doubt, it had been no mistake.

She watched her husband's awkwardness develop into skill,
With every change of dirty diapers of his own free will;
She watched his bond throughout the months, surpass the love he showed,
With every gentle, loving gesture 'tward his son bestowed.

Her love for her dear husband simply grew from day to day,
The nights he worked to take his turn, would ease her tiring day;
She thought of all the happy times they shared along the road,
And thanked the Lord for all the blessings that He had bestowed.

He watched his young wife make the change from girl to womanhood.
She tirelessly cared for their new son...she was very good!
Instinctively she seemed to know the things all mothers know
And, as he watched her, he felt love and admiration grow.

From days to weeks to months time flew. It all went by so fast!
It seemed impossible to both how quickly one year passed.
One night he whispered in her ear, "You are the perfect mother
And I'm the perfect father so....why don't we have another!?!?!


.
.

© Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
RosePetal
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since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985
South Florida
1 posted 2002-07-01 12:20 PM


awwwwwwwww you two are somethin else!!
Now you need a little girl
Would've been nice to see you have twins hehehehhe double trouble

EagleScorpion
Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644
Here, Now, Forever
2 posted 2002-07-01 12:26 PM


(SCREAMS) THis is a riot!!!! THREE CHEERS FOR THE BALLADEER!!!

"For he's a jolly good fellow.." etc. etc.

what better a subject to lovingly portray in that signature playfulness and wit of yours

lots of love to you, my friend.

my3monkeytoes
Member
since 2002-05-11
Posts 152
In the Carolina Breeze
3 posted 2002-07-01 12:28 PM


I loved this...great poem...great story.  We have a 2 almost 3 month old...this hit home with love and humor!

A+

~Sydney McLean

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
4 posted 2002-07-01 12:32 PM


Oh Balladeer, this is a wonderful story. I just love reading all your stories.
doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
5 posted 2002-07-01 01:41 AM


Michael..... writing poetry with you was one of the most awesome experiences in my life.....and i'm sure Kit feels the same way..... i love to write poetry with and for you.... and just thinking about it is poetry in itself.... this is AWESOME!!.....the series is great and you both followed through so well......

Beautiful!!

nice job!! both of you!

Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
6 posted 2002-07-01 03:27 AM


If I didn't know how each of you speak, I couldn't tell who was who and when or where, but right now I'm past the point that I even really care.  Gee, wasn't that  almost a dumb dum?   My only concern is that you absolutely never STOP doing this, and boy have you started something with this one you two. First off, you did an excellent job of the poetry of course but you didn't loose a beat in the sequence of events of they way this period in the lives of a young couple evolves in having a baby, right up to "BREATHE THIS!" (I recall having said that myself followed by another word I don't think I have ever repeated since)...bottom line, you are a pair of perfectionists that simply make poetry purr, so don't every stop!  Have twins next time, a cow even!  Whatever~but take these kids to their teens, and let us all grow up with them for as long as we have you we will have a family for us all growing at Passions.  Thank you both for who and what you are.

Nothing means more to me than faith,
family and my friends.

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
7 posted 2002-07-01 05:58 AM


Kit and Deer,
what a hoot. I laughed, cried and sympathised all the way through this. It was very real.
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
8 posted 2002-07-01 06:29 AM


You two are simply pure humanity expressed through your warm poetic hearts.
Fabulous story!  Bravo!

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
9 posted 2002-07-01 06:50 AM


You two are the perfect poetic duo.  I am definitely going to go back and read the series to catch up.  You had me laughing and then remembering my own moments in this situation.  Very cool write and it is almost impossible to tell who wrote what between the two of you, but then again ... that is the way it should be.  Excellent writing you two and you never fell off beat in a single line.  Way cool.
Sunshine
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Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2002-07-01 07:19 AM



Brava!  Bravo!

Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
11 posted 2002-07-01 07:39 AM


This is truly a passion masterpiece!! Well done both of you!
Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
12 posted 2002-07-01 08:01 AM


Mike and Kit,

Marsha
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Maidstone Kent England
13 posted 2002-07-01 08:10 AM


’Deer dearest heart, Kit darling girl oh how wonderful this is, I’m following this wonderful series. As I’ve said before you two work so well together the mesh of words is so perfect you literally cannot see the join.

Absolutely excellent writing, obviously being from your pens it is as smoothly flowing as silk. The story is alive and vibrant, I could easily and clearly see the picture hear the voices and feel the sensations. YOU BOTH excel at this I love it utterly utterly utterly.

I can’t wait for more, encore encore

>
Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy

Breathe through the heat of our desire
Thy coolness and they balm
Let sense be dumb let flesh retire
Speak through the eathquake wind and fire
Oh

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
14 posted 2002-07-01 09:29 AM


I am speechless!!
This is fantastic you two!!
Bravo!  Encore!

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
15 posted 2002-07-01 09:48 AM


just fantastic - you 2 have done it very very well - thanks - Paul
suthern
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since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
16 posted 2002-07-01 11:35 AM


I knew I'd find perfection the moment I saw the authors' names. *S* From tenderness to hilarity and back again, you two didn't miss a beat... it's absolutely superb. *S*
Neeraja
Senior Member
since 2002-06-22
Posts 812
The Netherlands
17 posted 2002-07-01 12:10 PM


Oh...how I enjoyed this read... smile... every word!!!
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

18 posted 2002-07-01 02:50 PM


If you two ever did have kids together *wink* you would HAVE to name them something poetic...
Cadence and Meter come to mind
Very very cool you two...clever humor and wit wrapped in rhyme divine...
A Classic written by two of Passions finest.
Spammy smooches and gator-girl hugs to ya both.

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
19 posted 2002-07-01 03:14 PM



Sigh....beautiful...you keep it up guys till they're old and grey and dead.

Great!!!

Titia

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

catalinamoon
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
20 posted 2002-07-01 03:24 PM


This is a fantastic story, how do you do this???
For awhile I was seeing Lucy and Ricky practicing to go to have the baby.
Sandra

Lisann
Member
since 2001-01-31
Posts 350

21 posted 2002-07-01 03:54 PM


Great job you two.....my little one will be 6 next month.  Dang how time flies.

You are right about one thing.....it is no fun to find out the sex of the baby ahead of time......it is much better as a surprise.  My husband bawled his eyes out.  It was perfect.

Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
22 posted 2002-07-01 04:05 PM



This is excellent, Michael and Kit...you two are perhaps the finest storyteller poets I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

P.S. - I love that smilie!

Take care,
Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
23 posted 2002-07-01 05:05 PM


Mike and Kit...It's been a pleasure to read this whole saga from start to finish. You each compliment the other in your writing ability. It's nearly impossible to know where one lets off and the other begins as you two's writing styles are paired incrediably. What a treat for all those at passions to be able to enjoy two such talented poets at once. Great job and I hope more duets are in order.

P.S.....on a more personal note, I hope you both are doing well and miss you both
Ruth

Krissy
Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556
kent England
24 posted 2002-07-01 05:23 PM


’Deer and Kit hi there this is wonderful writing, such a well written and perfectly presented poem. I really enjoyed this, mum says she remembers every twinge, and adds that it was worth it too. Except when I stay on here too long and steal her computer time. I’m now going back to work my way through the saga. I can tell you that I cannot tell you who has written which part. That is proof that this is an excellent collaboration you two write so well together, more please.

Thank you for this is very special


Love and warm stuff
As always
Krissy

And while thy willing soul transpiers
at every pore with instant fires
Andrew Marvell 1621-1678

devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
25 posted 2002-07-01 08:36 PM


I can't believe I've gone and missed a whole SERIES!!! I mean a poem eva so often...but this!!!

On my way to check out the rest...you two sure know what you're doing!!!!

Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...



Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
26 posted 2002-07-02 07:15 AM


Thank you so much for the wonderful comments everyone! It's always such a treat for me when I get the opportunity to write with Michael. When we had a chance to meet last April at Nan's, one of the highlights amongst many for me, was the fun we had reading a few of our duets aloud at the poetry readings in the evening. It's something I will treasure always.

I'm glad you've all enjoyed this series ( (and rofl @ JM's baby names, lololol) ... maybe I'll get a chance yet, to use this other smilie I worked up too, lol).



Thank you for indulging me again Michael ... I enjoy this so much!

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit



Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

27 posted 2002-07-02 02:25 PM


This is incredible writing you two.  Try as I might I doubt I'll ever come close to telling a story quit like this!! I love to try though.
Awesome stuff you two!!  


Enjoy life, this is NOT a dress rehearsal.

{on the wings of words are spirits fly...and our souls are free~me}

[This message has been edited by Gentle Spirit (07-02-2002 05:06 PM).]

Elan
Member
since 2002-05-03
Posts 382
State of Wide Eye
28 posted 2002-07-02 02:47 PM



You two bring about the whole concept of Passions...a place where writers grow...

Mistletoe Angel
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Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
29 posted 2002-07-02 08:49 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh my gosh, this is soooooooo beautiful, sweet friend, I dream ever so much of sharing a day like this someday and having a family in the future! (big hugggssssss) This is so heartfelt and adorable, sweet friend, I LOVE IT, we all love you so much, I too hope a girl comes around, though like Joanna said that would be double trouble! LOL! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Balladeer, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
30 posted 2002-07-02 09:49 PM


Elan, you are right. That's exactly what Passions is all about...

Thank you all for joining us in our little adventure. Kit is the perfect collaborator and we enjoy writing together very much. Your comments is sweet icing on the cake. We thank you very much....

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
31 posted 2002-07-04 08:36 AM


Thanks Gentle Spirit, Elan and Noah.

And thank you again Michael. You are a treasure.

Much appreciation and hugs to all,
/Kit

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
32 posted 2002-07-04 06:06 PM


You two are definitely a pair of absolutely amazing poets!!!!!!
I always love reading your work, and each poem you do together seems to get better than the last....as if that could even be possible...
I can't wait until that little boy starts writing his own poetry.  What a heritage his talented parents have given him.
Are you going to turn this into a book?
I think you should.

~ family type hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

GOlDsparklESS
Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 428
central nj
33 posted 2002-07-04 06:12 PM


YEA!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRADULATIONS!
garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
34 posted 2003-02-02 01:59 AM


Kit and Michael...I'm  LOVING  this....but I'm just going to have to finish tomorrow. I'm getting sleepy and I've got to go to bed......goodnight......




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