Notes About The Poem
A long time ago I wrote a rhyming poem on a story very Similar to this one. I still prefer it rhymed, but it was Interesting changing the story into a completely different Form. ______________________________________________________

Bittersweet My Lover's Secret

Oh, where had my sweet love gone that morning
when later that day he’d met his death?
It was early January, cold and dreary
when he left unusually early without a word.
For days I wondered and I wondered
where my lover had gone!

A few days later his father came to me
bringing me as a token - the leather jacket
my lover had been wearing that horrid afternoon
when senselessly he had been killed
by a drunken reckless driver
as my lover used a crosswalk and got run down.

The night before his demise,
my love and I had kissed
underneath his umbrella in January’s rain.
I still recall him pressed against me
wearing that same leather jacket
which now I’m wearing as I walk home.

I press that leather jacket
tighter to my chest as I recall
how the whole world got washed away
that minute in the downpour that his lips met mine.
We’d run then to his apartment, flinging eagerly
our rain-soaked clothing to the floor.

Underneath the sheets, still cold and wet,
we passionately embraced.
How quickly I then warmed up
in my sweet lover’s arms.
His smile alone could always warm my soul.
He was my sun. He was my all!

The next morning when I awoke,
my love had already left. Never did I get
my usual call from him that afternoon. 
Two days later I learned the reason why 
when his father brought my lover’s jacket
and told me how his son had died.

So here I am now two weeks later.
Rain has begun to pour on this dreary day.
I let my fingers wander in the jacket pockets.
Something lies hidden beneath                                        
 the lining of one pocket; my fingers touch upon
a crumpled piece of paper! What can it be?

The small paper is a receipt from a jewelry store.
My love had apparently left early that fateful day
to purchase my surprise -a diamond engagement ring!
What happened to that ring? I will never know.
But that crumpled receipt reveals my lover’s secret, 
and my tears fall bitter-sweetly with the rain.

1/12/2023
for Hilo Poet's  Metrical Tale Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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One Avatar
January 5, 2024 at 12:58 PM
Great storytelling Andrea.. Congratulations on your placement..
Daniel Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 3:47 AM
A sad tale, Andrea:)
Kendrick Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 3:15 AM
I can feel the emotion in this one. I am wondering if made up tale or a real tale from years ago. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
Adhikary Avatar
January 15, 2023 at 10:43 PM
A heartbreaking tale of lost love accompanied by your incredible imagery and soulful emotions. Best of luck for the contest:-)
Eslinger Avatar
January 15, 2023 at 9:52 PM
Andrea!poserful. Heartrending. Crushing. A poserful telling involving all senses. And a deep grieving. Horrible it took two days to find out and more horrible the news itself. So sorry…
Sangster - K Avatar
January 14, 2023 at 12:26 PM
Wow such a beautiful but heartbreaking story Andrea! Good luck in the contest. For me your bittersweet tale reads like a winner :-)
Seeker Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 7:48 PM
Oooo ~ how you tug at our heart, Andrea
Ray Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 7:21 PM
the beauty of exercising the wings....and the treasure therein as tempus fugit finds us down the road...in years to come, enjoy the story some more, and perhaps we have the acorn from which the oak now stands....never know, loved the twists and turns....where imagination erupts into an inspiration
Hawley Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 7:09 PM
Such a sad story. I see you called it fiction in your answer to Sotto Poet, but dang you gave it such a first hand that it seems believable. 5 star rating!
La France Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 3:06 PM
Andrea, wow, what an emotional, sad and beautifully penned tale, I love your poem, it is a winner for me, a FAV, best of luck in the contest, Constance
Gentile Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 6:36 AM
Andrea, I did not expect that ending and that's when the tears came!, what a story! Happy Friday!!
Poet Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 6:36 AM
Andrea, you have produced an outstanding piece of poetry. There is no doubt that he would be astounded to learn how strongly you feel attached to him. Enjoyed reading this heartbreaking yet engaging love story! Good luck with the contest.
Dietrich Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 8:56 AM
It's complete fiction, but I found out that metrical tales are generally written in the first person.
Kitchin Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 3:03 AM
Andrea, a captivating and sad love story, enjoyed!
Buhagiar Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 2:33 AM
A sad but wonderful tale. Pity you lost the ring. Hugs.
Dietrich Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 8:57 AM
I didn't lose anything, just the girl telling the story!
Theraven Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 8:38 PM
Andrea, The wonder in rain. Very sweet story of a jacket shared by two. -Richard
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