Notes About The Poem

Labyrinthine, Languish, Letter Words Sponsored by: Constance La France

Written 11/3/2023 

Letter

Every so often I let my young self-take me back to the past. A time when I had just met my husband. We would go camping and fishing on the Callahan Mountain in Oregon. Of course, he did love his hunting. We would follow the small creeks and streams and dredge and pan for gold. We used to enjoy ourselves.

once young and alive
nights under black satin sky
two souls fervent love

I keep a box full of sentimental letters, pictures, and ribbons my children had won through the years as they were going to school. Today was one of those lonely days, I just had to get into the box and travel back to the past. It took me a few minutes to find the letter my husband had written addressed to me, postdated 10 August 1981. Reading his written words always warms my soul.

love written in words
treasure trove saved in a box
letter from the past

It starts off with, “Hi honey (Love you).” He writes about college and his grades, and how his time has been without me by his side. Then, he asked, “Where did you want to live when you get back? I miss you a lot, honey. Honey, take care of yourself and try to relax and don't worry about everything. Try to take a vacation and don't let the tensions build up and get nervous, you need a good rest. Guess I better close and get this in the mail. Love and miss you a whole big bunch! Love Sonja”

Even though he hated his name and went by Sonny, he signed it with his given name. His dad always called him Sonyal.
Since he is not with us, his written words are a comfort.

gone from each other
a part of a limb missing
untiring fervor
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Goldsmith Avatar
November 10, 2023 at 1:28 PM
Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! Your "Letter" is a wonderful story/write with a great ending. I am so sorry. Love never dies... Have a great day............
Andresen Avatar
November 9, 2023 at 9:02 AM
- Back to congratulate you on a great win in the contest, Eve :) - hugs
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
November 9, 2023 at 7:10 AM
Dearest, Eve, a precious soul being realized, lives on. ILMO Sonny/Sonya, accentuated in your beautiful Haibun, my friend. My sincerest compliments on your honorable placement in Constance contest. Aloha, William
Fowler Avatar
November 5, 2023 at 5:25 PM
A moving write and emotional tug at the heart dear Eve. A box of memories that reveal the love and pain. :)
Anaya Avatar
November 5, 2023 at 11:31 AM
I really like the Sonja, so sorry to hear of your loss so long ago. I enjoyed your thoughts and tribute. Letters can be sentimental, I have every letter my mother has written to me, we keep each other abreast of our circumstances through the mail. All the luck in the world to you, Eve. xhugs
Buehler Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 5:52 PM
A wonderful, tender tribute, filled with precious memories. Blessings and best wishes for the contest, Eve.
Kendrick Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 4:20 PM
I can feel the pain and the love within these lines. I am sorry to learn of your loss even if it has been a long time since you were widowed. This one reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Pandit Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 10:46 AM
This poem stems from your kindred heart---invoking emotions adorned in loving memories. Splendid depiction that tugs the reader's heart, Eve. A winner in my book.
DiMino Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 8:57 AM
Wow! Powerful. This one got me in the heart. Lovely sensitive honest writing. The good, love we share on earth is reflected and stored in heaven my wish and belief...I feel partings are only temporary -- our box of treasured awaiting divine reunion. Blessings my friend.
Andresen Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 7:29 AM
- Oh dear ... what beautiful and romantic memories, Eve :) - Keep them close to your heart :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - Have a wonderful weekend :) - hugs
Empress Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 6:25 AM
This is so touching dear Eve, and that picture is beautiful and so sweet. Reminded me of my late bestfriend when she passed away, i had some handwritten letters of hers that we used to share , about how much we mean to each other, was with me for a very long time until i lost that one letter which i took with me everywhere, sigh. But i have those words in my mind forever imprinted. I love handwritten letters, and your haibun here is so touching. The last haiku made me tear up. Sending you light
Scott Avatar
November 4, 2023 at 12:32 AM
This is so heart-warming, Eve x Physical letter writing is a dying art- form and yet so very human (AI free). A lovely time capsule for you and a lovely poetic moment for us x Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing.
Narain Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Fond memories with saved treasure. Emotional and loving.
Roper Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 1:06 PM
Thank you, Jay.
Buhagiar Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 10:12 AM
I have known you for a long time now and past memories of Sonny will not be erased quickly. Loved your Haibun. Hugs and blessings.
Roper Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 1:05 PM
You are one that will always be in my heart for all the comfort you've given me.. as we live the same emotions and loves. Thank you my friend.
Lane Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 4:54 AM
I know you must miss your Sonny very much, Eve. I use to love the way he’d occasionally write something you’d share with us. Your Haibun is a wonderful honor to him and showcases your beautiful memories.
Roper Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 9:55 AM
Thank you Lin, he is dearly missed.
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