Note Found In An Ancient Oak-Nw

I sat beneath the ancient oak in my back yard,
grieving and in sorrow at the age of twelve.
My best friend, Jessie, was moving far away.
I didn't think I'd ever see him again, 
so, I wrote a note to tell him what was in my heart.
I filled the page with memories through the years,
of our laughter, our fears, and things I'd never said.
I didn't sign my name but folded it with great care.

A swift Autumn breeze flew away with my note. 
I chased it until it was far beyond my reach.
Now Jessie would never know my love was real.
I didn't tell him in case it would embarrass him
and because he may not feel the same way.
 If that was so, I'd rather not know.

No word from Jessie in the five years he'd been gone.
It was my Senior year, and soon I'd be off to college...
a new beginning, but memories of him lingered.
After classes on the first day, I found a note in my locker.
Someone had slipped it through a crack under the door.
It was written in my handwriting, five years ago.
I turned when someone tapped my shoulder.
Jessie! He'd changed, but not his beautiful eyes.

I couldn't find the words to express what I felt.
Tongue tied with disbelief, but Jessie's smile put me at ease.
They'd just moved back to town, a few blocks away.
Yesterday, he'd helped his dad trim an old oak tree 
and found something lodged in its branches...
squirreled away like an acorn in a hidden hole.
It was yellowed with age, its edges ragged, 
so very carefully he opened it to read
the words I thought he would never see.

We stood there, ogling each other before I asked,
"How do you know I wrote this to you?"
In a voice so deep it made me blink, he replied,
"No one else scribbled little drawings like those. 
I remember lots of things from back then, 
most of them are about you."


October 29, 2022
A Note in the Wind Contest
Sponsored by Charlie Messina
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Messina Avatar
November 2, 2022 at 5:24 AM
So beautifully written, Jenna. Your pen always reflects golden speckles dear friend. Congratulations on your winning placement in my contest. Blessings...Charlie
Kitchin Avatar
October 31, 2022 at 10:47 AM
Jenna, such a sweet and delightful story, wonderfully penned!
Logan Avatar
November 2, 2022 at 8:11 AM
Thanks, Tania.
Gentile Avatar
October 31, 2022 at 5:16 AM
Jenna, I'm in love with this story! It is so beautiful and crafted so very well!! It brought a tear to my romantic eye!!! I hope it's true!! Happy Monday!!! (and Halloween!) xxoo
Logan Avatar
October 31, 2022 at 5:26 AM
Nay, Mike. The truth of it lies only in my romantic eye. Thank you for being so gracious with your comments.
Parker Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 5:06 PM
A tale dear poet? perhaps some truth is woven from the threads of life...nicely done Jenna...good luck my poetic friend
Logan Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 5:10 PM
Purely a tale of fiction in this one. Thanks for your kind thoughts, sweet friend.
Cunningham Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 11:45 AM
Reads like a fairytale Jenna, great storytelling, fate had decided that they would be together. Tom
Logan Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 12:01 PM
One with a happy ending, Tom. Thank you.
Hankins Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 11:40 AM
Aw, so touching, Jenna. This little story brought a tear to my eye, and I'm so glad you shared it with us. It was a bright spot after reading so many ghoulish poems about Halloween! Best of luck in Charlie's contest.
Logan Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 12:01 PM
If it were a movie, it'd be a chick flick, but I'm glad you were touched by its sentiment. Thank you, Milt.
Kyser Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 10:18 AM
Nice one, Jenna - a good little tale
Logan Avatar
October 29, 2022 at 10:21 AM
Rather Hallmarkish, except for the kiss. ;) Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts.
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