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Open Poetry #41
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The Baggage Claim (for my 16,000th)
| Open Poetry #41 |
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The Baggage Claim (for my 16,000th) |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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Hello again everyone! I’m sorry I haven’t been commenting the last little while, but I have a little tradition to write a poem when I reach a posting milestone, so I had to slow down for a bit until I could finish this one, lol.  . The Baggage Claim She grabbed her bags and headed to the airport for her flight, “If all goes well,” she thought, “I should be there by 10 tonight!” “Just think ... a million miles away from all that troubles me.” Sweet “Adios”, “Arrivederci”, “See Ya” ... finally! The cabbie opened up his trunk and heaved out all her stuff, He gave a grunt, and said “That’s it! You sure you got enough!?” He seemed a bit sarcastic, but he got a hefty tip, And off she went with three big bags to check-in for her trip. The place was packed with people, but she found the proper spot, She dragged her heavy bags along (they weighed an awful lot!) She shuffled up the lengthy line, until she heard them say, “You’re next young lady. Bring your bags. Let’s get you on your way.” She lugged her baggage up, with no intention for debate, She heaved them on the scale (a little worried at the weight), The handler laughed, and read the load, “Two hundred pounds I fear.” “That’s WAY beyond your limit. Nope, we can’t have that my dear!” She looked at him, a bit perplexed, “I’m not sure what to do?” He said, “Well I suggest you TOSS some things. It’s up to you!” “It’s not that easy,” she replied, “That’s all a part of me.” “Wherever I go, so do those.” - “Oh Yah?” he smiled ... “Let’s see!” He grabbed the biggest bag she had, and opened it up wide, She felt embarrassed, (mortified), at what he found inside. “Well looky here,” he said, as if he’d seen it all before ... A ton of bricks came tumbling out and landed on the floor! Each brick was neatly labeled with an attribute or trait, A testament to all the troubles she had on her plate. The baggage guy said, “Lady, that’s a LOT to lug around.” “Let’s see what you’ve been carrying.” and picked one off the ground. The first said “GRIEF”. He looked at her, a question in his eyes, “I lost my dog.” she sighed, “And I am NOT good at goodbyes.” The next brick boasted “FAILURE”, then a “LACK OF SELF-ESTEEM”, “I lost a contract at my job ... I blew it for the team.” The forth and fifth and sixth said “GUILT”, he looked at her and frowned, “Now THAT’S a lot of guilt for anyone to lug around!” She said, “Well that’s my specialty ... I’ve honed it pretty well.” “Too many things to list for that, as you can likely tell.” The seventh one said, “ANGER”, followed closely by a few, “RESENTMENT”, “FEAR” and “DISAPPOINTMENT”, made their big debut; He looked at her, and raised his brow. She sighed ... “It’s just divorce.” “I’ve tried to let those go, but they refuse to run their course.” “REJECTION”, “TRUST”, and “BITTERNESS” all came out in a row, “UNWORTHY” and “ANXIETY” both followed them in tow. “It seems,” he said, “Those shoulders need to lighten up a bit.” “I know you’re right,” she sighed, “They’re hard to carry, I’ll admit.” He said, “It’s time to let these go, you simply aren’t that strong.” “The trip would be a total waste if you brought those along.” “By carrying this heavy stuff, you have no room for fun,” “You may as well just turn around before your trip’s begun!” “You need to set some limits, try to deal with what’s inside.” “Then say goodbye to all that crap, and just enjoy the ride!” She thought about the words he said, and knew that he was right. She had to come to grips with all this mess before the flight. She started tossing bricks away, first two, then three, then four ... With every brick she threw away, she felt her spirits soar! She kept a couple back, she’d need a bit more time for those, A few small pounds to carry wasn’t too bad she supposed. She pared it down to one small bag – the handler checked the weight, “Now THAT’S a whole lot better Ma’am ... Let’s check you in – You’re late!” She thanked the man for his advice, and ran to catch her plane, She took her seat and played out what had happened in her brain. She pondered all the things she’d tossed that made her feel so free, She felt so light she almost flew “herself” across the sea. The stewardess said, “Folks, we hope that you enjoyed your flight.” “Now don’t forget to get your bags before you leave tonight.” The baggage claim was bustling, all the carrousel’s were full, With all the baggage that her fellow travelers had to pull. She waited for the one small bag that she had not let go, The last remaining bricks that she would carry to and fro. She spied it on the carrousel, but when it came around, She kept her place - she didn’t move - she didn’t make a sound. She watched it circle several times. She didn’t seem to care ... She turned her back. She stood up tall ... and left her troubles there. /Kit McCallum [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (09-01-2007 07:22 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Kahlil Senior Member
since 2003-04-12
Posts 1881 |
Kit~Congratulations on this monumental post! Very clever write, right down to that last little bag, you have described that feeling so well, of leaving baggage behind. Marvelous! |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Kit So wonderful - enlightening (smiles). I enjoyed every word and am taking the message with me. Most wonderful reading. Thank you. Alison |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Kit, I had a hint from the title what this would encompass...and I'm so glad I was correct in that assumption. Baggage...and old tapes of the brain, are the hardest things to shrug off. But with this poem? I claim you to be 16,000 times free! Congratulations, sweetie! We knew you could! |
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Snowflake From Hell Senior Member
since 2003-07-10
Posts 777My own little Icey Oblivion |
wow 16,000...couldnt have written a better one for that milestone I am the little cracked mirror |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Ms Kit-ten ~ I applaud you for this exemplary poetic piece of wisdom! ~ and on your 16,000 posts! Yer a clever, clever girl ~ and poet!  This is a  to be sure! ~ A great reminder to "Lighten up!"  Love to you! Linds  |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is amazing...congratulations on your 16,000th!  |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Love it, Kit! Congratulations on your milestone! *hugs*......jo |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Dear Kit...Everything about this poem was so well done, but for me, the meaning behind it, is something I need to read to someone very special. Thank you for that. Congratulations! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, Congratulations! I like your theory of traveling light. I know I recently lightened my load with no regrets. If it's all the same to you I'm putting this in my growing Kit collection.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. [This message has been edited by Larry C (08-31-2007 11:58 PM).] |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice indeed...something to think about...James |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Reading you is not only a joy--it is a learning experience! tch...immaculate! (admiring your construction) *winks* to Balladeer, who has been admiring your construction for years now! Congratulations, your loveliness!  |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Congradulations on your 16,000 poem. You are a great poet. One I really enjoy reading. |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Kit, this was just wonderful my friend and so true of life, thank you so much for sharing this and congratulations on your 16,000 th. Rick |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thanks so much everyone for the kind words and comments.  It's so nice to be writing and posting again. What a wonderful feeling! Seeing each of your names and comments is a beautiful sight for these ol' eyes. Thanks again to all!  With much appreciation, /Kit |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Kit, not only are you a fantastic poet but also, you are one very wise woman. This is not just a tribute to your time here at Pip and all you do, but also to the person that you are. I am sure that many who read this will be left with a very important message. Time is short and we must live not in the past, but in the moment...just LIVE. Missy Kit, you are an inspiration to us all. Congratulations and might I add, it is so good to have you back among us, whenever you can find the time to be here. {oh and that little pup, he isn't mine but I wish he was. All humans should have the sweet temperament that he does!} after a fall I get back up, move on 'cause the past is the past and theres no tomorrow if remaining in still waters while the river flows on ~dsmith |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I thought I'd be the 16th to comment on your 16,000th - And what can I say that everyone else hasn't? Left my baggage at the airport a few days ago for sure - Love ya, Lady - You're the awesomest... Talk to you soon..  |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Congratulations on your 16000th post and my compliments for this truly awesome write. A fantastic reminder that will help every reader to reason and to toss away those "bricks". Love, Margherita |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Congratulations on your 16 000th post! That's an amazing achievement. Wonderful write and message - thank you. Helen |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Kit...Great milestone congratulations on 16,000. Poetry at its finest, I expect nothing less from you.Waiting for more wonderful poetry from you...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
“By carrying this heavy stuff, you have no room for fun,” “You may as well just turn around before your trip’s begun!” Now that was really clever, I sure think you're really smart. Troubles are just too darn heavy I avoid them before they start! It takes a lifetime to know one's self, We all will dodge a ton of bricks Learning what, or who is good for us, Judging the good ones from the "dicks!" LOL, and I don't care if it rhymea, you get my drift right? Here's to 16,000 more from the Kitster that definitely DO rhyme. Love ya! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Trust her to be 16th on the 16th.  Well... I just turned 21 again on the 21st - so there Nan!  |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
Oh Kit.. A wonderful way to commemorate. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
perfection personified...why am I not surprised? Excellent writing, Kit...a good story with values woven in. You're the best! congrats on the milestone and may you be around for a very, very long time...PIP (and my life) just wouldn't be the same without ya  |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
You are certainly at the top of the tree in your ability to write such a wonderful poem The rythym is spot on and the story and philosophy in this wonderful poem will stay with me till my time is up. Thank you, thank you LindsayP |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
"She spied it on the carrousel, but when it came around, She kept her place - she didn’t move - she didn’t make a sound. She watched it circle several times. She didn’t seem to care ... She turned her back. She stood up tall ... and left her troubles there." Love the close of this story. Great write! 16,000? Wow, amazing… Did you start writing when you were 3 years old? JL Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Thank you sooooooooooo much everyone for the kind words and encouragement. I must say, it sure feels good to be putting pen to paper these days, and seeing so many familiar faces here. Love this place ... love you guys. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Fantastic! Most enjoyable! Congratulations on your milestone post, too. Rae |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
This was certainly worth the wait. Kit, having gotten to know you a bit when we had the joy of meeting in person I know a bit of the trials life has dealt you. Sometimes it is not easy to let go of those burdens and sometimes not only do compassionate, people like myself and you, carry their own burdens but also the burdens of those around them and often we buckle under the weight. I think there are many, myself included, who need to take these words to heart and heed the advice of wisdom Excellent write 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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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Kit, this was an excellent write. I have to ask you if I may print this out, frame it and have it where I can read and remind myself of its content... As always your storytelling is a pleasure to read. whoops, I forgot to congratulate you M |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Absolute perfection!! It's not just a delight to read... it's something I should read and heed daily!!! Congratulations on your milestone... it may be your celebration, but you gave us the gift! *S* |
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Klassy Lassy Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187Oregon |
Ah! Wonderful poem and beautiful talent, certainly not going to waste. What a joy to read...  |
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