Notes About The Poem

Dear John

John

Dear John, 
When we were kids... 
just starting to set off, 
you called me
from the Army 
collect. 
It was half passed 2:00 am
and my parents were not happy. 

My mother did not let me, 
take the call from you that day. 
I have often wondered, 
what it is or was, 
that you might want to say.? 
I would like to go back
for a moment in time, 
and try to reset the line. 
That will never happen.
We only get one call. 

I pray you are well, 
and life has been kind. 
I have thought of you... often. 
I know you had a rough start, 
and a broken home was just a part, 
but that does not make me 
believe...
that is the end of your story. 
"No!" 

I know that you were smart, 
and worked hard. 
I know that you tried, 
way back then, 
I can not believe you ever...
stopped doing all that you could, 
to be better that even you 
thought you would.

absencecancerchildhoodconfusioncouragefree verse

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Bill Baker

July 12, 2022 at 2:20 PM

I like the tone of your letter, Ann. Full of hope that his life went well. A sense of regret that you weren't a part of it anymore, but thought you might have been if you had been allowed to take that call. It a sign of strength to think positive about others we've lost contact with over the years. God bless you for you lovely poetry, Ann. Bill

Sara Kendrick

July 12, 2022 at 1:58 PM

I wonder if this was a boyfriend whose relationship was cut short for some reason. I enjoyed reading this lovely letter to John. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara

Sotto Poet

July 11, 2022 at 4:40 PM

Ann, it would appear that youth is full of unexpectedly heartbreaking conclusions. Complaining is always productive.

Kim Rodrigues

July 11, 2022 at 7:16 AM

Ann, you’ve written a lovely letter of well wishes. Expressive.

Andrea Dietrich

July 10, 2022 at 1:50 PM

this is so heartfelt. I think of a phone call that I TOOK but by then, It was too late. Is this a true story? i like how you use his name, since Dear John also means writing someone off as your parents probably wanted you to do.