Reflections on the Web |
You’ll Always Have My Heart |
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
A child not more than five years old, sat glumly in his chair, His mother watched, not far away, as silence filled the air; The teacher said, “Oh, he’ll be fine. It’s best if you just go.” “The first day is a little tough ... but he’ll adjust, you know.” She looked toward her son, and saw the sadness in his eyes, “It’s just as tough for me.” she said ... “I never liked goodbyes.” The teacher smiled, and told her, “Let him know it won’t be long.” “He’ll handle it much better, if he knows that you are strong.” His mother laughed, “I know, you’re right ... I’m feeling just as blue.” Then asked to have a piece of paper, and a marker too; She drew a heart upon the bright, pink cardboard, as she planned, Then folded up the piece of paper, lovingly, by hand. She walked up to her son – she knew that it was time to go; “I’m sorry hon,” she said to him, “I won’t be far you know.” “But mom ...” he whispered, “Please don’t leave ... I wish that you would stay.” She mustered up her strength, and smiled, “I won’t be far away.” She gave her son a hug, and brushed away his falling tear, “You may not always see me, but I’ll always be right –here-”, With that she took his trembling hand, and held it to his chest, “That’s where I’ll be when we’re apart ... let’s do a little test.” She handed him the pink florescent paper that she had, And tucked it in his pocket, “You just use this when you’re sad.” “Let’s try it now, pretend I’m gone ... just close your eyes my dear.” He looked at her, with trust (although she saw a twinge of fear). He closed his eyes, his lips began to tremble, and she said, “Just picture me within your mind,” (but saw his look of dread); His eyes popped open, and she laughed, “You’re cheating, that’s not fair!” He smiled, and closed his eyes again, and squirmed within his chair. He heard her stand ... he panicked, and his eyes opened again, “I’m right behind you ... close your eyes, and try to count to ten”; He did as he was told, and when he finished, heard her say, “Just reach into your pocket now, and you will be OK.” He opened up the paper, saw the heart his mom had drawn, “But mom, I know you’re standing right behind me ... you’re not gone!” She laughed and said, “Remember son ... we’re never far apart ...” “I’ll always stand behind you, and you’ll always have my heart.” “I have to go, are you alright?” She hugged her little man, “Now you be strong, I’ll see you soon ... and don’t forget our plan!” He kissed his mom, and watched her go, she turned and said “Goodbye.” He folded up the paper, and she heard his heavy sigh. She watched him from the classroom window, just a little while, Each time he pulled the bright, pink paper out ... she gave a smile; He never lost that piece of paper, always kept it close ... And pulled it out as he grew up, each time he’d need her most. Now time had passed, and here he stood, a tear fell from his eye, He saw her resting peacefully ... their final last goodbye; He reached into his pocket, as he felt his growing fears, Then grasped the piece of paper that had faded through the years. He closed his eyes and started counting, all the way to ten, Until he felt her gentle presence standing there again; A peaceful calm enveloped him, he brushed away a tear, He knew that though he could not see her – she was always near. He heard her voice begin to whisper ... “Son, we’re not apart ...” “I’ll always stand behind you, and you’ll always have my heart.” |
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© Copyright 2003 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
A heart such as this MUST find its way to the heart of Reflections... |
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Marshalzu
since 2001-02-15
Posts 2681Lurking |
This is absoloutely wonderful, it brought a smile to my heart and a tear to my eye, thank you for sharing it with us Andrew |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Yep, Ron definitely needs to be inserting coupons for a free box of Kleenex... |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
Such a beautiful promise... I really love this, Kit. You have my vote! (and a place in my library too!) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.--Jesus Christ |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I love absolutely everything of yours that I have ever read!--and this was no exception! You have all the writing tools at your disposal---and you use them very well! Excuse me while I go grab a tissue!... Warm hugs, Linda |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Nan: Thank you my friend … as you can probably tell Nan, I’ve taken the day off work for some much needed rest, and to catch up on some Passionate reading … and oh my, it feels good! Marshalzu: Thank you so much for the kind words, Andrew … I’m glad I could bring a smile to your heart. Sunshine: Thank you for the lovely words, Karilea … I’ve got a box of tissues right here, as I’ve been doing some reading today and Larry put me into tears earlier. LoveBug: It’s wonderful to see you Erica … thanks so much for the beautiful comment. I hope school has been going well and that you’ve been having fun with the auditions! Earth Angel: Thank you so very much for you wonderful encouragement, Linda. That means a great deal to me. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Connel
since 2002-11-04
Posts 736Florida, USA |
Very enjoyable poem!! Anyone can write, But only poets can capture the heart. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Just one box, Kit? I think we should own stock in Kimberly Clarke.... |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kit, now you have me flooding with tears, this sure could use a hanky-alert as it brought me tears of sadness to see the boy struggle on his own but also tears of joy knowing he will always have a loving mom and the little boy will grow up with her love at heart! (BIG ANGEL HUGS) This so deeply touched my heart and every poem that touches ones heart is deserving to be in Reflections so I'm voting, yay, (does happy dance) we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Hello, Kit?? Do you have an extra kleenex? this one's going in my library, and I hope the.... Ethel |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Kit, this is one of those amazing poems that touch so deep in a mother's heart... I already have this one in my library |
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El_Campeador Senior Member
since 2003-01-29
Posts 761Ohio, USA |
Beautiful... This poem has my vote! “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” –Robert Louis Stevenson |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Kit~ This is so beautifully penned and touches deeply. You never cease to amaze and impress with both your talent and your heart. Hugs, ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Must be so hard to pick three to post here but you did well on this as it was one of my favorites, along with Widow's Walk of course. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Oh dear, I think I'm gonna ask my Mom to draw up a heart too. This was right out beautiful and touching Kit and like Nan said, you deserve to be in the book! Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Kit, I remember this poem, it is so incredibly touching. Hugs Sandra |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
I think it has been months since I last read your work, Kit... and I must add it has been worth the wait.. Absolutely fantastic... Regards, Sudhir |
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Mick Hawkes Member
since 2000-10-26
Posts 90Tees-side , England |
An easy choice , its got my vote Never take life too seriously - None of us gets out alive! |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
Oh kit this so beautifully penned...as always a beauty! Charisma |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
So beautifully written, so tenderly touching and will be such a bonus to Reflections I'm sure |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I had to borrow a tissue from Mysteria..this tugs at this mom's heart. |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
enjoyed |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Kit~ Just wonderful. Such feelings, the bond between mother and child. Maybe it should be on the 1st page of Reflections...Paul "To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you" |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
KIT~ You didnt issue a hanky alert.....what a loving piece that shows the HEART of you.... Lauren~ Take me where the tides start |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
geez...Kit? I KNOW this one and still cry every time... aw...I wanna go hug my kids...AND my mom... and YOU...and...EVERYBODY!!! (friggin' hormones--*sniff*wink*) |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Such a master of the written word you are...and you tell such a fine story! It's beautiful and touching, Kit..I LOVE your style!! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Dear Kit, I remember this so well. And it holds even more meaning to me now. It touches my broken heart, deeply. This has to be in the book! If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
I wouldnt buy a book that didnt have you in it " ... And think not, that you can direct the course of love ... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Connel I’m glad you enjoyed it … thanks Connel! Sunshine: ROFL … Mistletoe Angel You always read so deeply into poems and find such sweetness within all … thank you for being the wonderful young man that you are, Noah! garysgirl Thank you Ethel … I have a few extra tissues, so I’ll meet you in the library, and bring along a box. SEA That is lovely to hear … thank you so much Susan. El_Campeador Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this El_Campeador (love your name by the way). vlraynes Thank you so much for the encouragement Vicky, I really appreciate it. Mysteria I’m glad you liked this one for a submission, Sharon, and thank you so much for the lovely notes to Balladeer and I regarding the Widow’s Walk. I’ll see what we can do. You are an inspiration to us both, ya know? Titia Geertman Awww … let me know if you do ask your mom Titia … that would be lovely. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed. catalinamoon Thank you for the kind words, Sandra … I really appreciate it. Sudhir Iyer It’s been a long time in between postings for me Sudhir, as office work has had me buried the last year. Somehow I’m hoping to dig out and get back to more regular time here. Thank you for your always kind words, my friend. Mick Hawkes Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed, Mick … I’m very grateful. Charisma Boy, I hope you know how much I appreciate hearing that … thank you Charisma. hoot_owl_rn Thank you so much for the lovely comment Ruth, that means a great deal to me. Poet deVine I’m glad Mysteria had some extras, Sharon. It’s good to know it tugged at your heart, thank you. vandana Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed, Vandana. Paul Wilson Awww … what a lovely thing to say Paul … thank you. Greeneyes Thanks you Lauren, for letting me know you liked this piece, very much appreciated. serenity blaze I understand the hormones … hugs coming right back at ya, Karen. Thank you for your wonderful comment. Balladeer I hope you know how much I appreciate your style as well, my ‘deer … thank you for always setting such a wonderful example for me to admire. Larry C Many hugs to you and your wife Larry. Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words. Janet Marie You are such an inspiration, JM. Thank you as always, gator gal. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Oh Yes...this one for sure!! |
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
I just had my third, and last, child two weeks ago - my first boy. SIGH Not only am I a hormonal mess? But this - I think I just used a box of kleenex. What a perfect poem. I just love it! |
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CocoBaci Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043 |
Ohhhh Kit, the tears just wouldn't cease... I very much enjoyed the read dearFriend and next time I should know better than to come to my desk without a hankerchief... Hugs2uAlways *~coco~* |
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kayjay Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015Oregon |
My goodness. I'm an old guy with that setting far behind me, but you drew those feelings right out of me. This is a "Kleenex alert" story. Thank you. Ken J Through rubble and trouble and dark of night |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Very moving poem, Kit. I enjoyed it very much. Jim |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Kit....I loved this!!! Very sweet indeed!!! Bridgette |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Sigh... this touched me as much as the first time I read it. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Knowing what was coming didn't stop the tears from trickling... This is magnificent. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
You are something wonderful! |
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skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
I almost cried when I finished reading this! This is beautiful, Kit. --Elizabeth You can sit there and forgive someone until the cows come home, and it won't make a bit of difference until they forgive themselves. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Kit, you don't know how much this touched me. Crying here. Maree |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Dear Kit, this was wonderful yet again, I remember it long ago and it still brought a tear to my eyes. You have such a talent that you share with us all, thank you. Sincerely Rick |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
Emotional write. Would touch anyone. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, Don't know if I said this before, But this is an epopee to me. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kit~ You are sooooooooo good~ Lovely, lovely~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
Kit....wow. The poem was pleasurable throughout, though I did stumble a bit on 'flourescent'. It was the ending couplet that made my breath catch, and flooded this inadequate mind with memories half forgotten. Thank you. Alicat |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Kit - most precious write, my vote for this... BC |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
You touch the tenderest heartstring. Liz |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
My keyboard is getting soaked! Your poems always tug at my heart, Kit. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
.This one brought tears and that is hard. I've cried too many. Lovely poem and I'm voting for it. [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (02-25-2003 10:58 PM).] |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
yes, yes for sure.... "Wie ein Quadrat in einem Kreis, eck' ich immer wieder an obwohl ich doch schon lange weiß, daß ich niemals ändern kann." ~Wizo |
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Ceinwyn Member Elite
since 2000-07-09
Posts 2175VA |
Awwww I don't know what to say but awww...tissue pls! If at first you don't succeed destroy all the evidence that you tried. |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
I can not suffiently describe the feelings this provoked. It brought tears to my eyes, and that is a hard thing to do. Susan [This message has been edited by Susan Caldwell (02-26-2003 03:57 PM).] |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Enchantress: Thank you for the kind words, Enchantress, I'm very grateful. Nicole: Congratulations on the birth of your new baby, Nicole! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. CocoBaci: Thank you Coco, for the sweet sentiments, they are very much appreciated. Kayjay: That was wonderful to hear Ken … thank you so much for letting me know. Jbouder: Thank you very much for letting me know you enjoyed this Jim, much appreciated. Justbleu: Thanks for the lovely thoughts, Bridgette … I’m very grateful. Munda Sigh: I’m glad to know you enjoyed this a second time around Munda, thank you. Southern: Thank you for your always kind encouragement Southern, I really appreciate it. Martie: So are you, Martie … so are you … Skyshine: Thank you for the kind words, Elizabeth … I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this. Dark Angel: Thanks for the sweet comment Maree, I really appreciate it. Rick: What a lovely comment, Rick … thank you so very much. RSWells: Thank you for letting me know this touched you Richard, much appreciated. Seymour Tabin: To hear you call it an epopee … is wonderful to me. Thank you sweet Sy. Marge Tindal: Huglets right back at you, my friend … thank you so much for the lovely response. Alicat: What a heartwarming comment, Ali … thank you for letting me know it took you back in time a bit. Much appreciated. Bill Charles: Thank you for your kind words, Bill … I’m very grateful to hear. Elizabeth Santos: The tender heartstrings you touch in me, are always appreciated, Liz. Thank you. Denise: I’m sorry about your keyboard Denise, but I’m glad to know I was able to tug at your heart … many thanks. Joyce Johnson: Thank you so much for letting me know that this touched you Joyce, I’m very grateful. Allysa: Thank you for the kind response, Allysa … I’m very appreciative. Ceinwyn: You said exactly what I love to hear Ceinwyn … and I thank you. Susan Caldwell: Thank you for letting me know how this made you feel Susan, much appreciated. With best wishes and much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Kit, no one can write a poetic story like you. This has me in tears but a warm glow surrounds my heart. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Hugs ~~ Marti |
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Auguste
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953By the sea |
Kit, I remember so well that first day with my son, Chris. Yes, the tears were there, just as they should have been. Thank you for this, my friend, spoken with such genuine feeling. |
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Cerenity Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637Escondido-California |
Hi Kit, It is always such a wonderful treat to read your poetry, and this is one of those heart grabbing ones, so very much ehjoyed. Love, Cerenity "God doesn't have to be reminded that we exist. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I feel like I have read this before...it is so You... lovely and tender hugss M |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Kit, I have always enjoyed reading your poetry. This is very, very good. |
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Angel Senior Member
since 1999-07-02
Posts 551Pennsylvania |
Awww this made me cry. Can I have a tissue too? |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
youll always have my vote |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Well I may not be able to vote for this one but I can sure tell you just how wonderfully written and packed with power it is. You write with a pen that draws the reader in and completely captivates them. You bring us to the page and place us in the moment and you do it softly so as not to startle us. Before we know it, we are actually there and that my friend is a talent that most would love to have. As always, a pleasure to read your words. I loved this piece and yeah maybe my eyes watered a bit.............so what about it lol. Hugs my dear friend. |
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Drummerboy06 Junior Member
since 2003-03-23
Posts 46Indiana |
Hey, congrats, I see that it has been accepted for the book, as it should be. This was an excellent piece, very touching. I loved the end, and you had my attention the entire way thropugh the poem. Normally, when i read a poem, the author has a hard time keeping my attention throughout the whole thing. I usually find a weak spot where it falls apart, but you would not hear of any such thing, would you? Magnifiect write, now many more will have the pleasure of reading this fine work of art. Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it. - Robert F |
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amigo Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 520the earth school |
oh...lovely words here, dear Kit...a soft feeling of comfort it brings...i'm so glad it's in the book...congrats!! |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
Oh my Kit!!!! ~ What a beautiful heart is shining through this piece ~ loving this ~ even through the tears ~ Bonnie |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!! I think this is one of my favourites Ive read in a long time, it's perfect! Thanks for sharing it with us Love, Liz xxx "Gorge the honey from life, and live through the stomach aches knowing they will pass..." ~Liz Pinard 2003~ |
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waldopepper Member
since 2003-03-18
Posts 157Tennessee, USA |
Kit, this is the true heart of a Mom speaking. Touching, endearing, and full of warm fuzzys!! |
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Lynda Member
since 2003-04-26
Posts 52Vic, Australia |
Hi Kit Sorry I am late with a reply...but just tuned in again. I am a teacher and a mum...so your poem really grabbed my attention. It evoked many feelings - as I looked at it from the two view points...I actually looked up your profile to see if you were a teacher. This is a beautiful poem - thankyou. Lynda |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I'm a little late on this, but I still enjoyed it very much |
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