His First Love

I remember the heavy round wooden tables
Built low to the ground,
Just right for kindergartners.
He would always sit close. 

I didn't notice. 

Out-of-doors on the playground was a giant oak.
He made me an acorn pipe, then taught me how.
I made lots of acorn pipes, giving them all away;
Even his. 

He stood quiet with little fists pushed deep in his pockets.
But I didn't notice. 

The sun was golden
Shining through high windows
Down on the low round table,
Particles of dust dancing merrily on the beams. 

He handed me a present,
And as the royal blue paper with tiny pin stripes 
Crossed the sun's rays
The stripes lit up like diamonds. 

Gently opening the paper,
Careful not to lose the sparkles,
I could feel the whole class watch.
I was embarrassed. 

Inside was a book about a velveteen kitten.
She was black and feminine.
She wore a pink bow,
And she was fuzzy to the touch. 

I treasured that book.
As time went by I rubbed the kitty's fur
Until she was loved slick and smooth. 

I don't remember saying thank you.
I'm sure I did.
Surely the teacher would have reminded me;
There in front of the whole class. 

Over four decades ago - yet - 
The memory of that special gift is as clear and bright
As was the sun beam that day.
And I would like you to know Jimmy Wilson; 

That I noticed. 


Note: An old kindergarten memory to share with you. Written about 22 years ago.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2008



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Date: 2/16/2013 8:05:00 AM
!!!
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Judith Angell Meyer
Date: 2/16/2013 8:53:00 AM
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Date: 2/15/2013 9:34:00 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful nostalgic poem being featured this week on Soup, Judith. Annalise
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Judith Angell Meyer
Date: 2/16/2013 8:52:00 AM
Thank you Annalise for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Nostalgic indeed! Kindergarten was 65 or so years ago already. Never did find Jimmy.
Date: 2/15/2013 4:52:00 PM
Judith, hope your days are filled with joy... stopping by to say HI!:-) Congratulations with your featured poem of the week. Always~ PD"
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Judith Angell Meyer
Date: 2/16/2013 8:49:00 AM
Well I'm glad you stopped by! My days are busy, but they are my own. :-) Thank you so much for your welcome comment. ~J~
Date: 2/13/2013 8:34:00 AM
Cute, touching, and sensitive, Just like a shy little kid. I love kid stuff. Congrats on the selecti0on. daver
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Judith Angell Meyer
Date: 2/13/2013 10:40:00 AM
Thank you Daver. I wish I could have found Jimmy across the years. Would like him to know. Apparently not to be.
Date: 7/18/2008 1:02:00 PM
This is gorgeous. I love the almost-prose style, it all flows so nicely. I remember moments like this myself...except I was usually the one making the advances...oh well :-) Thanks for sharing this! love.t
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