Notebook

I found a notebook in blowing trash
left by an elder moving away.
Did she not want to keep it, I asked
Won't fit, one room, is all she would say.

She was bidding farewell to her home
of sixty-five years: she was too old
to live among ghosts she said would roam
I saved book to see what would unfold.

Opening the book, enchantment poured:
watercolors on each wind-torn page.
children, garden blossoms fondly stored,
ladies, beads in hair: the Flapper Age!

I was enthralled. An artist she was!
Beside each drawing, a note left, too.
She was a treasure living near us
I feel ashamed that none of us knew.

We tend to equate old with past tense,
behind the times, so we hesitate.
Of distant years, and her added sense
tales she could tell if we would relate.

Yellow flowers I took in blue bowl,
and visited with her a long while
I said, to hear her tales was my goal,
and saw the beginning of her smile.

March 22, 2023
for "Writing Challenge--N Words"
by Constance La France
a First
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
August 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Ahhh this is so nice, seeing the talent in the elderly. A belated congrats on this one
La France Avatar
March 26, 2023 at 1:09 PM
Ann, congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge 'N' Words, beautiful writing and poem, blessings, Constance
Peck Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Thank you so much, Constance.
George Avatar
March 26, 2023 at 12:21 AM
So many gifted people live among us unnoticed. Your poem has taken us to a jungle where 'many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its fragrance in the desert air'. Great poem. Congratulations Ann
Peck Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 12:04 PM
Oh, I love that quote, Valsa! I imagine it's yours, as you write so beautifully. Thank you for your beautiful comments!
Andresen Avatar
March 24, 2023 at 11:22 AM
- Back with a congratulations, Ann :) - When I rewrite I go to my "Member Home" and "My Contest Entries" and press update just to be safe :) - hugs
Alex Avatar
March 23, 2023 at 9:47 PM
A very minute and detailed account of the aged lady and her notebook. Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Peck Avatar
March 24, 2023 at 9:15 AM
Thank you, Christuraj, for your nice comments! :)
Volumes Avatar
March 23, 2023 at 7:49 PM
Ann I am sorry I did not read this before you were awarded 1st place. Its a beautiful story. I have to put it in my favorites so I can read it again at a later date. Whether it is true or not thought of it will stay with me all day. I am sure there are many very special people who arrive at old age no longer recognized for their talent. Best Wishes.
Peck Avatar
March 24, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Dear Wendy, That is exactly what I meant to portray! Thank you for your lovely comments. I know there are many whose special talents are forgotten in an age of fast and young.
Seeker Avatar
March 23, 2023 at 6:51 PM
A beautiful story with a sublime ending, made possible by a loving heart! Thanks for sharing, Ann - enjoyed! Warmest congratulations on your win!
Peck Avatar
March 24, 2023 at 9:16 AM
Thank you so much, Seeker, for your lovely comments!
Andresen Avatar
March 22, 2023 at 11:46 AM
- A wonderful story, Ann ... I'm sure many such notebooks can be found in old houses ... dusty and yellowed - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
Peck Avatar
March 22, 2023 at 2:14 PM
Thanks, Sunshine! I wasn't happy with the poem, so did some rewrite after I submitted but before I entered contest. I hope that's OK to do...
Goldsmith Avatar
March 22, 2023 at 11:14 AM
A lovely story/write. Have a lovely day writing away............
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