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Open Poetry #35
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The Past Present (for my 15,000th post)
| Open Poetry #35 |
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The Past Present (for my 15,000th post) |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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Well, it's been a while, but I've pulled together a little something for my 15,000th post with Passions.  I thought this was an appropriate poem to celebrate my time with you all. I've recently said that I've learned so many valuable life lessons being here with all you wonderful poet people, and I couldn't think of a nicer way to say thank you for all you've meant to me over these last 5 years and for all I've been taught. I've come to find that Passions isn't just a poetry site ... it's a continual learning centre for my life, in so many wonderful ways. . The Past Present When I turned seventeen, it was like any other year, The family gathered 'round to celebrate and give a cheer; My mom had cooked my favorite dish - the birthday cake was grand, While presents followed up the meal, just like we always planned. I had no indication to expect that there was more, But as the evening ended, there was one more gift in store; My mother asked me to her side, and said, "This is for you." She handed me a bright, red box tucked hidden, out of view. I wondered what it held within, upon this special night, I opened it with eager hands - the box was big, but light; She watched as I untied the bows adorned with silk and lace, While gently lifting off the lid that held the gift in place. I set aside the cover and I looked inside to see, An empty box – a hollow square - was staring back at me; I turned toward my mom, an awkward silence filled the air, "I'd thank you mom," I laughed, "But as you see ... there's nothing there!" She grinned and said, "There's something there - it's what you have and hold, A gift you carry all the time that can't be bought or sold. It's all the life experience you've had these last few years, The ups and downs, the good the bad, the laughter and the tears." "This box contains your memories ... the "lessons" you have learned, And with each passing moment, all the knowledge you have earned; Be proud of your accomplishments, be honest with your flaws, Be wise to the mistakes you’ve made, and try to find the cause.” "Some recollections can be hard, and often we forget The lessons that we learned from them - the challenges we’ve met; Each year, this box will overflow and need some loving care, It's not an easy job sometimes – but who said life is fair?" “No matter what the past has held, it's always there to stay, And every lesson that we learn, we need to tuck away. So every year, upon this day, "remember" your last year, It is a gift you give yourself, that's what you have right ~here~." She pointed to the empty gift, the bright, red box with bows, And as I looked inside it then, my recollections rose; The box began to fill with simple moments of my youth, Then with a rush, came tumbling in, realities and truth. I let them all wash over me, and did not shy away, From mem'ries I had long since buried for another day; I met them all head-on, and though it was a trying task, I filed their lessons in my box, just like my mother asked. I've had a few more birthdays since ... (a lot to tell the truth), But I still have that big, red box that I got in my youth; The silk's a little dull from wear, the lace is tattered some, But every year I take the time and my advice from mom. I open up that lid, and I’m reminded what it takes, To learn from every day I live – to grow from my mistakes; That empty box now overflows with lessons I have learned, And I am thankful for them all … because each one’s been earned. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2005 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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EagleOne Member Elite
since 2000-03-07
Posts 2829Between a laugh and a tear... |
I like to think we are both teacher and pupil, and that we live and learn. Congratulations, well done! "A spring shower was cause to run |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Well done indeed - 15,000 - YES!!!!  |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
15,000....congratulations...and wow, simply wow, what a marvelous write setting elegant displays to ponder for the reader...what life is all about....hugs and thank you |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Smiling with you on all of the presents you've given us in the past, and of all the positive you'll continue to present in the future...  Congratulations, Kit!  |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
"This box contains your memories ... the "lessons" you have learned, And with each passing moment, all the knowledge you have earned; Be proud of your accomplishments, be honest with your flaws, Be wise to the mistakes you’ve made, and try to find the cause.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And just look at what we learn from you. Pips became a brighter place when you walked in the door. Congrats on your milestone and thank you for all you do here quietly behind the scenes. As always youre my smile waiting to happen and this poem of humilty and wisdom is the perfect example of why. It's only words and words are all I have to take your heart away. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
An excellent post to mark this milestone Kit. Thank you for sharing your talent with us, and for all you do. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
A beautiful poem to mark a wonderful milestone Kit. Congratulations |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
good read congs on your 15,000th post |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Kit I think your mother's wisdom was in that box...because it certainly seems she gave you that and more. Loved the poem! Congratulations on the milestone! |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
aww Kit...I loved this. You are such a fantastic story teller! and congratulations on your milestone! |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Wonderful write Kit!! Congratulations on this milestone and many thanks for all that you do here at Passion's. hugs, Chris "The soul that can speak through the eyes can also kiss with a gaze." |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Gosh, it was good to read your poetry again! This inspiring poem was heart-warming and full of wisdom. Kudos on your 15,000 th post and thank you for all that you have done behind the PiP scenes!  Warm, congratulatory hugs from a fellow Ontarian, Linda |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Kit, you give much to this place...so very much. Congrats on your milestone and what a marker this is! Thanks for reposting. I sure needed it. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Just seeing your name, I know I'm in for a present. *S* And this is wonderful!!! *S* Congratulations on your milestone... here's to 15000 more! *S* |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Simply Wonderful Words~~~ and perfection in rhyme Congratulations and wishing you many more years of sharing hugs M |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Ah, dear Kit, I have a box like that, too, and memories of you are tucked nicely inside....thank you for being part of my box and for allowing me to be part of yours. The poem is you....which means it's as good as a poem gets. Congrats, sweet lady...may our relationships here last for many years more  |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
Kit, Thank you for such a tremendous sharing. One for the library for sure! Congrats on 15,000! |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
KIt...A valuable lesson learned. Thanks for sharing your memories.Congratulations on 15,000...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ Paul [This message has been edited by Paul Wilson (04-08-2005 12:00 AM).] |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
From beginning to end, I enjoyed this immensely. What a great gift to give and receive, a gift to last an entire lifetime. thank you, for sharing your present and your presence. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
 Kit, my life would less full without you in it that's for sure, and so would your widdle red box be without me in it.  You just wait, the lid won't be shutting on the box after this year's adventure! Beautiful lesson, and poem to mark your milestone. I think everyone "in the house" would agree we are all grateful for your poetic, and administrative contributions to this site. Rock on! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Fantastic...James |
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Goldenrose Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665 |
Congrats... Goldenrose. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks so much everyone, for the kind comments. OK, so how’s this for an odd coincidence? Yesterday afternoon, I found myself taking my own advice, lol. I ran through the memory box, and took some much needed time to really evaluate the past occurrences of a problem I was having at work that had me at the boiling point. I was tired of having to deal with something over and over again, and wondered why I couldn’t stop the tape loop. Revisiting that part of the lesson box gave me some insight, and I’m hoping I can nip this problem in the bud once and for all, with some fresh understanding. Crossing fingers anyway. We’ll see, lol EagleOne I agree, I like to think we are both teacher and pupil as well. Thanks Eagle One. Nan Thanks my friend, and thanks for the additional e-mail, rofl. LeeJ: Thanks for your kind words LeeJ, they are very much appreciated. Sunshine: Thank you for your “gift” of words Karilea, I look forward to the future too. Janet Marie: Thanks JM. I enjoy my daily time behind the scenes as well … it’s actually what prompted this little ditty. Hugs to you gator gal. Enchantress: Thanks NancyLee, it was fun to have something to post again. I really appreciate it. Gentle Spirit: Thanks so much Dawn, I’m glad you enjoyed. Vandana: Thanks for enjoying Vandana, much appreciated. Martie: My mom is a pretty wonderful woman, Martie, and there’s a lot of her in that box for sure. Thanks for the kind words. SEA: Awwwww, thanks Susan. I really appreciate hearing that. Nightshade: Thanks Chris, for the lovely comment, I’m grateful to you. Earth Angel: Linda, it’s great to hear from you as well, thanks so much. passing shadows: I’m glad you enjoyed it Dixie, thanks for the kind words. Southern: Thank you for your wonderful encouragement Ruth, I always appreciate it. Nakdthoughts: Thanks Maureen, for letting me know you enjoyed the rhyme, much appreciated. Balladeer: Thank you for your friendship as well Michael, it’s something I treasure. You are appreciated sweet poet. Sadelite: I’m glad you enjoyed Sadelite, thanks for the kind comment. Paul Wilson: Wonderful to see you Paul, and thanks for letting me know you enjoyed. Midnitesun: I’m glad to have you in my present and past as well Midnitesun, very much appreciated. Mysteria: Yes, I have a feeling this summer will bring some wonderful memories to tuck away Sharon. It’s full to overflowing now, but we’ll make room! No worries there. Thanks my friend. JamesMichael: Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed James, much appreciated. Goldenrose: Thank you for the congratulations Goldenrose, I appreciate it. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
A wonderful gift Kit.. Congratulations! "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Susan: Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed Susan, and for the congratulations. With much appreciation, /Kit |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Oh Kit... Such a gift might frighten me. Now that I think about it, if it might frighten me, perhaps it should. What a wise woman...you and your mother. Thank you for being you. (and um, thank your mom too.) |
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freewheelin Member
since 2005-04-09
Posts 53 |
great write, what else can i say? |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Congratulations on your 15,000th post. And thank YOU for the memories you've given us since you joined. This is an inspiring tale.  |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
What a present!!! Congrats on 15,000, Kit! ...jo |
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Local Parasite
since 2001-11-05
Posts 2527Transylconia, Winnipeg |
Ahh, Kit... I haven't read something from you in a long time, but this is a truly heart-warming story and I appreciate you sharing it with us. I have to admit that, even though your true strength is (as always) your abililty to compellingly tell a story, my favourite aspect of this poem is the significance in the description. There's a little left unsaid here: quote: quote: quote:...and little subtleties like this one really lend a lot to the poem as a whole. I don't know if you intended to give the box the sort of sentience you suggest when you say that it was "staring back at" you, but it really helped to establish a connection, a kind of looking-glass self experience that we've all had in our childhood. This is a precious memory, Kit, and as always, I'm glad I have the opportunity to read your poetry. Congratulations on your fifteenth thousand. I'm anxiously awaiting your next. Brian "God becomes as we are that we may be as he is." ~William Blake |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Sounds like your mom was a pretty wise lady... and it sounds like you are, too. Being 17, it makes reading this even more exciting and interesting. I love learning more ways to handle lifes grief. Congrats on your milestone post. Excellent work! Always, Alyssa He was a man of sorrows |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
serenity blaze: Thank you for the lovely comment Karen, and I will thank my mom too. freewheelin: Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed, freewheelin, much appreciated. Poet deVine: Thanks for the congratulations and the kind words, Sharon. I’ve enjoyed each and every memory here at Passions. Iliana: Thank you Iliana, I really appreciate it. GG: Yes, my mom is a wise lady, Alyssa. I sent this poem to her, and after reading it, she said “Now wait a minute, I don’t remember giving you this box?” I said, well not literally, but metaphorically you most certainly did, lol. Local Parasite: Brian, you continue to amaze me with your insight and love of writing. I enjoy reading not only your poetry, but your critiques to others, and surely enjoy reading your thoughts to something I’ve written as well. You are extremely perceptive, my friend. In regards to your question, I once read that you should “show” the reader something, rather than “tell” the reader something. I try to keep that in the back of my mind when writing, and the example lines you chose are a reflection of that intention. I’m glad you asked me about that. Thanks for the many kind words and analysis, Brian. I truly appreciate that. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Dear Kit, just wonderful, enjoyed every word and will take them with me for a while, great food for thought. Congratulations on your 15000, somewhere I will never get. Be well dear friend and take care. Sincerely Rick |
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