Notes About The Poem

First Date, Last Date

"Andrea, with the accent on the dray",
she coyly introduced herself to me.
Exotic, dazzling beauty; to this day
her face still lingers in my memory.

My life till then seemed vaguely out of tune,
now, dulcet melodies played in my ear.
Her smile could warm the sun and melt the moon -
I'd dreamed of dating her that whole school year.

"Quit you like men", my father used to say,
so girding up my loins, I asked her out.
Expecting her rejection that tense day,
she answered, "Sure!" as I suppressed a shout.

We went out for some pizza, piping hot;
I saw in her no scarcity nor flaw.
My mind in wonder at her every thought,
meanwhile my eyes were pleased by what they saw.

Her lovely hair, like melted chocolate: rich
and silky smooth, at just the perfect length.
Good conversation was what scratched her itch
and I came thinking that was just my strength.

Sometimes though, bridges end up getting burned;
teen dreamers should be wary where they roam.
For when our dinner check arrived, I learned
alas, I'd left my money back at home!

Hugely embarrassed, I could barely speak;
up to that point, how nice the night had been.
I hardly left my room for one whole week,
too shy to ever ask her out again.

Life turned out great, I married well. And yet,
she still remains 'the one that got away'.
I reminisce with traces of regret,
Andrea, with the accent on the dray.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Zola-Zaba Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 3:10 AM
Aww a sweet anecdote , though it didnt turn out to be a happy ever after it really captured both youth's appeals and awkwardness. Nicely done!
Watt Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 10:52 PM
Thank you Rercy. Again, writing about the traumas of teen dramas.
Dietrich Avatar
July 9, 2020 at 8:39 PM
Oh, John, that is quite the story!! I bet she would have loved another date with you. Why are teenage boys so darn insecure?? Did you call your house at the restaurant to have your dad bring the money? You will have to tell me. Loved this!
Watt Avatar
July 12, 2020 at 12:34 AM
I sent a Soup mail with how the story ended. I would love to meet her again and ask her side of the story!
Mcintosh Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 9:03 PM
Such a inspired, detailed work you've crafted here. I enjoyed the reading and am sure God worked things out for the best for you! He always does. I'm sending love and wishing you many blessings from above, dear friend :)
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 9:55 PM
Thanks for the kind and generous words. Yes, God is good and has worked it all out for the best. Thank you, dear friend ~ John
Canerdy Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 8:51 PM
Excellent narrative poem with strong lyrical touches, John. Janice
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 9:44 PM
Thank you, my poetry friend. Much appreciated ~ John
Wolf Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 6:33 PM
Excellent tale of a teen's embarrassment, John! Looking back, isn't it amazing how easily flustered we all got back then?! Just think how smoothly you would have handled things then if you were the adult that you are now... Oh, well... As you say, that one got away! Superb penning! ~ Gershon
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 6:59 PM
Age is wasted on the old... no wait, Youth is wasted on the aged... no wait, uh never mind my brain needs a nap, lol! Thanks for the visit. You're right, I would have handled life much differently if I were me, no wait, I WAS me... never mind, haha!
Pandit Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 5:39 PM
Congrats John on your podium win, in Silent's contest--what matters is you found the love of your life...and it is so much fun reminiscing.
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 6:57 PM
Agreed, Vijay. My life now is very good, and would not have been possible without the many missteps of my youth. All part of the plan, I say! Thank you for the visit, my friend ~ John
Mishra Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 2:55 PM
Oh this is such a gripping account John! It makes me smile trying to imagine you being out on a date in your youth, lost in a dreamworld. Alas your beautiful experience ended up in embarrassment but I am sure you felt that way because we tend to think too much in youth. Enjoyed this experience of yours my friend. Congratulations on your win! :)
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 6:16 PM
I'm glad it could make you smile, Aditi. I am old enough now to laugh about my teenage traumas, and share those smiles with my poetry friends. I see you had a winning poem in the contest, too. Heading over to check it out now, my friend!
Cunningham Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 2:35 PM
Funny how things work out, I often think of those that got away but then I wouldnt have the family I have now, so no regrets. Well written John. Tom
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 5:53 PM
I agree, Tom. I can laugh about those youthful blunders that kept me from succeeding with certain love interests but any one of them would have deprived me of the winning lottery ticket I ended up with! Thank you, sir.
Chiri Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 2:31 PM
Ahh see that was sweet! Enjoyed the lil trip you let us take into your life!;)
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 5:52 PM
Thank you for the sweet words, Brenda! Take care, John
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:31 AM
You weaved a wonderful story of teenage infatuation, angst, and insecurities. I imagine if you saw her today, you would both laugh about it. Congrats on your win, John! Blessings, Rhonda xx
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 11:12 AM
You are so right, Rhonda. One benefit of aging is that the wine tends to mellow. Thank you, my friend, for the congrats and blessings, same to you on both counts ~ John
Dutta Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:08 AM
Smooth Poetic flow of emotive urge. I admire. Congrats to win.
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:29 AM
Thank you, Anisha. It's always nice to be admired by one you admire! Blessings on your day ~ John
One Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 9:23 AM
Sounds like a true story to me, and one of misfortune and embarrassment... Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:29 AM
Yes, true story... I was so easily embarrassed back then. Today, I would just laugh and move on. Age, I guess. Thanks for sponsoring another classy contest, and for the kind placement, SO
Agustin Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 1:40 AM
Thanks for sharing this beautiful narrative in your awesome poetic way. Thanks likewise for your uplifting and edifying comments. God bless you.
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:28 AM
Thank you and you're welcome, Beata! Thanks for stopping by ~ John
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