From Summers of the Past

Dropping a few coins in the glossy nickel slot
They hung out together at a small-town cafe
Listening to popular songs on a flashy jukebox
Savoring salty fries and cheap greasy burgers
Facing a quaint, run-down house she adored.

Steps away on a sandy beach they strolled,
Two giggling teens in each other’s footprints
Mingling with evening’s misty warm breeze
Gazing ruby sight on twilight’s amber horizon
Beholding golden sun dipping in blue ocean.

When starry night invoked scent of fervid ardor
Warm breaths crooned, blushing young desires
Reveling every hug and touch, daring for more, 
As gleaming eyes revered blazing teenage love.

That’s when they were wild in lyrics of Brown Sugar
Kissing to the melodies of doting hearts’ stimulus
Humming tunes of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow;
Parting for college at the end of summer season.

He bought the quaint house she so dreamed about
And gave it her name from summers of the past…

Long after she told him, how life takes its toll
If night’s dream shatters yielding to morning sun,
And words once beloved, lose their relevance
When old memories wither as time changes people.

April 2, 2020
Placed 1st: Strand choice Y contest by Brian Strand
Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carole King/Gerry Goffin
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Callus Avatar
April 7, 2020 at 10:09 AM
You have managed to take me back many summers with this superb poem, Vijay! Enough to say that both "Brown Sugar" and "Will you still love me tomorrow" were hits in 1971. Regards // paul
Pandit Avatar
April 7, 2020 at 10:47 AM
A bit of look back in nostalgia can be rewarding--glad you liked the poem, Paul. Much appreciate--many thanks. Regards.
Proxenos Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 11:56 AM
Vijay - you have written an amazing poem worthy of the win you received. You never cease to amaze me with your variety of themes you write about. Well penned my friend. Blessings, Jennifer.
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 4:32 PM
Much appreciate Jennifer--many thanks my friend.
Kauffman Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 10:46 PM
A story well told spanning many years all brought together by Carole King's iconic song. Congratulations Vijay.
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 8:25 AM
Much appreciate Sam--many thanks.
Chiri Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 4:43 PM
Vijay I'm so glad to see this one at the top in the win! Congrats my friend!;)
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 6:31 AM
Thank you my friend--much appreciate.
Roper Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 3:48 PM
Nicely done, Vijay, reminiscing, of old times with the jukebox, fries, beach and romance under the stars.. It would be nice to go to all that once more. sigh :)
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 6:30 AM
So true--much appreciate Eve--many thanks.
Carber Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 2:33 PM
Great imagery! Congrats Vijay
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 6:30 AM
Much appreciate L.J.--many thanks.
Canerdy Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 2:16 PM
This one made me smile--while wiping away a tear. Your poem is nostalgia--sweet and bitter--at its best, Vijay! Janice
Pandit Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 6:29 AM
Thank you Janice--much appreciate.
Rose  Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 8:12 AM
Your talented pen does not stop for anything, not even a virus. I admire you for that. Stay safe and keep penning my dear friend, xo
Pandit Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 12:03 PM
Much appreciate my friend--many thanks, Pixie.
Sands Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 4:34 PM
Wow! So many nice lines in this poem. Superb writing Vijay. I enjoyed this :)
Pandit Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 7:07 AM
Thank you my friend--much appreciate, as always. Many thanks, Heidi.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 10:40 AM
Summer time when youth and love blend and sweetest of stories lived.. a most wonderful sentiment felt.. countless of promises and vows meant.. innocence and sincerity residing hearts.. we go through other seasons and stages.. we learn, we grow, we change! What a beautiful interpretation! What a wonderful rendition of a human nature in motion! A great delight to read so profound a work dipped into the artistry of your poetry, dear Vijay! Deepest regards and blessings.
Pandit Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 2:46 PM
Always delighted to read your feedback Besma--much appreciate the kind remarks--many thanks. Regards.
Somadas Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 12:27 AM
A flashback of memories projecting wonderful imagery... What a delightful way of story telling.. Splendid use of words, soothing style..
Pandit Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Thank you my friend--much appreciate the kind remarks.
Adams Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 9:28 PM
what a wonderful adventure back in times my friend...loved the momentary escape through the imagery... great write! stay safe my friend...it is getting bad in my area...hugs and blessings!
Pandit Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Stay safe my friend--feels like it's getting bad everywhere. Many thanks Sandy--much appreciate your kind remarks.
Dietrich Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 5:35 PM
Lovely reminiscing, and I see you are familar with the time period I was growing up in!!
Pandit Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 6:58 AM
Thank you Andrea--much appreciate your visit and comments.
Nicole Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 3:58 PM
Your thoughts take me back, to another time- another place. Of days, so long ago. This is so beautifully written and presented. Such moments caress my heart. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 4:07 PM
Thank you my friend. Glad you liked the poem. Always happy to read your comments. Much appreciate, as always, Brandy.
Cunningham Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 12:10 PM
It brought up images of fifties America, leather clad young men, pony tailed girls greasy burger bars, and of course hot summers. Enjoyable read Vijay. Stay safe and well. Tom
Pandit Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 3:16 PM
You are right about the images you speak of. I posted a song that adds flavor to the scene. Much appreciate, as always, Tom. Many thanks.
Trifiatis Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 10:39 AM
Wonderful writing that reminiscences old good days with its Joy's and pains. Outstanding imagery my friend, Vijay. Much enjoyed the lively description of time and place. Take good care for I see USA is going to be hit hard. Blessings my friend
Pandit Avatar
April 2, 2020 at 3:13 PM
Yes my friend--USA is facing hard times. Stay safe--it's spreading worldwide. Much appreciate your kind remarks--many thanks Demetrios.
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