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The Widow's Walk (duet - Balladeer & Kit McCallum)
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The Widow's Walk (duet - Balladeer & Kit McCallum) |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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The is my second and final submission for Reflections. At Mysteria's request, with Balladeer's consent, and Ron's thumbs-up for a duet submission, I'm submitting this collaborative piece on behalf of Michael and myself. .  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 2003 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Ah Kit...I remember this and how much I loved it then... And realize I love it even more now! A very wise choice indeed~ Gets my voted! ~Hugs~ ~ Trace my body with your words.. And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~ |
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aries_luv_ppl Senior Member
since 2001-09-20
Posts 1448Universal Mind |
very cool and descriptive. amazing that it is done by two persons. Thanks for sharing ~Every girl has a dream within. |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
I remember this also and agree, an incredible duet. Loved it then...and now! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, So glad you picked this. Wonderful write. |
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SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
this just HAS to be in the book, and should be allowed double votes!!  I love this |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Yes, Ron, we need to vote once for Kit, once for Balladeer, once just because, and once because we love it... Will that do? |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Bravo! Brava! Bravissimo! Warm hugs, EA |
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cupcake Member
since 2003-01-05
Posts 116 |
This is one of those WOW!!!!!!!! Just WOW!!!!!!!! responses. Gets my vote. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
I was wondering about duet submissions just the other night...there have been so many wonderful pairings in pips of our poets... We need a whole book just for that  ( just what Ron needs moth advice making more work for him)  This is classic cadence from 2 of our master storytellers of rhyme. Voting for the gator girlie and the spammy dude  oouuu eeee oouu ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang ... |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kit and Balladeer, now I'm streaming in tears, this is soooooooooo beautiful but so heartaching, it brought a smile seeing the son but sad seeing his grandmother still waiting patiently! (big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friends, this has to get in the book, you both have my vote, we all love you both 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 "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I don't think I have even told Kit or Michael why I love this one so much. It is because it stands for all the things that were so simple once, love, work, family, home. It represents (to me) more than any poem that which kept humans afloat in any day and age, and that is faith, love, and family. Not much has changed has it? Having been around when this picture was taken and heard this read by the poets themselves does make it even more special but the request to have this included was not for me, it was for everyone who will ever read the book who might have lost the one person they held dear in their life. To me it says that although there is sorrow in loss, there is also happiness if you look for it. This poem I felt wrung out more human emotion than any I have ever read, hence my request. Thank you Kit and Mike I am truly honored to know two such talented poets. Thank you both and Ron for allowing it entry.  ~* Carpe' Diem *~ [This message has been edited by Mysteria (02-22-2003 10:18 PM).] |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
of course... this is a stunning write... great duet... regards, sudhir |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
This is just WOW... Gave me goose bumps at the end....I applaud you both. You've got my vote. Maree |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, I'll vote for each of you if Ron lets me! You know how much your poetry touches my heart. It's nice you let Michael ride your coat tails.  (Okay, I'm only kidding. I wish I could ride your coat tails!)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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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Kit, this one's for you.....  ...  . . And this one's for Michael...... ....... Hugs, Ethel . (pssst!! everybody said we could vote twice for duets, didn't they?????) [This message has been edited by garysgirl (02-22-2003 09:36 PM).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I would be honored to ride Kit's coat tails any day!! Thank you, Kit. This one will always bring back special memories to me of a very special time  |
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Chanson Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559Up Creek w/Out Paddle |
Two thumbs up for each of you. *s When you think you have heard it all, |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
IF Ron is counting extra votes may this vote than come as a tote that messages come forth in rhyme to carry truth for all in time... |
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kayjay Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015Oregon |
Two very gifted writers showing us their best. I saw a lot of couples like this when I was a seaman. I was half of one, but I came back. KJ Through rubble and trouble and dark of night |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Ther are few words to describe poetry so exquisitly beautiful...Ellie A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails. |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
I am stunned and in awe....this is a most excellent DUET!!!! It has to be in the book.....this is sooooooo GREAT!!!! I already want to sit back with this book and read....it's going to be soooo......COOL!!! I like Sunshine's idea for many votes.  Bridgette |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Perfect duet. this is wonderful. I agree it should have more than one vote per reply. Joyce |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
yessssssssss love it thoroughly Charisma |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Excellent write! |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I loved this poem when I watched as you and Michael began to create it and even more at it's finish. A definate entry, gets my vote |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
WOW, glad you decided to do so. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Kit and Michael To hear the two of you reading this on Cape Cod was one of the most thrilling "pip" experiences. Your writing stiles are so compatable and for a collaboration, it doesn't get any better than this. Great to see this one in the book Liz |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Absolutely...a great big YES! I LOVE this. If anyone should have a collaboration in the book, it is you two, and this one is perfect. Love and hugs to you both,  ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
This is a great story and grips the imagination. It is deserving of all the votes it gets and to be in the book. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hugs to you both, for this..and just because. |
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Jason Lyle Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438With my darkling |
What could I add to these comments but a vote? Beautiful! Jason |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Kit - I like this duet. You have my vote, and I hope that we will see more duets for the book... BC |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Stuffing the ballot box here... (I surely wish I could)... You KNOW this is an ALL-TIME favorite from both of you... |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
I really like the parts of this poem that were written in red. The other parts were horrible (is my jealousy of Balladeer really that obvious?). j/k - This is a terrific poem written by two terrific poets. I really envy you both for your ability to come up with new story lines. It drives me crazy when I stare at the screen and come up blank. |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
A ghostly love story, full of beauty. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
When two of my favorite poets collaborate, they always create magic. *S* Now how DO we go about the task of ballot box stuffing? *G* |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
You two are amazing! Fantastic collaboration! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Again...thank you all so very much for your comments and support. Kit did it all...I just tagged along |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to pop on and thank everyone individually for all your wonderful comments and encouragement.  Michael and I were so lucky to have been able to meet and visit at Nan's in Cape Cod, and had the chance to write these verses in person. He's an amazing writer, and I'm so glad we had this opportunity. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
ABSOLUTELY YES. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I remember this one too and I think you both complement each other in your styles. *s M |
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Angel Senior Member
since 1999-07-02
Posts 551Pennsylvania |
This is a wonderful duet. It made me cry. |
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Auguste
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953By the sea |
Kit, you and Michael write very well together. I love this story, even the sad ending and you two have my vote. Hugs! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I just dropped in to read all the comments and cry a bit more, here I will just leave this box for folks okay?  |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Kit and Michael, this is just fantastic and how reminicent of the homes in the New England area. You two are both brilliant writers and together there can be no stopping you. Congratulations and thank you for sharing this. Hugs, Marti |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
A timeless classic and one that can only be enhanced by hard copy. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Yes. You two duet nicely.  |
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SimplyGold Senior Member
since 2002-07-10
Posts 1453 |
Wow! Yes, this has my vote. The theme is a classic, the twist gives it a punch. Great job! SimplyGold |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
so glad you did.....OUTSTANDING you two! Lauren~ Take me where the tides start So I can pull you into me |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Count me in ! *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Bump. |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
one of the most amazing duos in poetry i've ever read! you both have such amazing talent...truly beautiful. so glad you posted this for the book! take care. Amy "love is like a butterfly-- |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Kit - I'm of the feeling that we need to have some duets in the book of which this is one of them. Well done you two....... BC |
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