An Old Tale of Sweet Memories
Frost on my window
The seasons are in change,
It’s almost time to go.
I eagerly pack my things,
Throw on my orange
Load my rifle
And jump in the truck.
Beautiful greens, yellows and oranges fly by
And I roll down my window to feel the cold nip at my cheeks.
That’s when I see you
In your fathers truck
And realize I’ve met you before.
I met you at your house when we almost bought your boat,
Yes, i know you. The pretty boy with soft brown eyes
And a kind heart on your sleeve...
I wrap my arms around you and prepare myself for the ATV to move
My parents let me go with you,
To watch a field and get to know you.
They have no idea how glad I was that they let me,
I want to know you.
I found myself comforted by your warmth
In the chilly air of late October
I leaned a little closer and closed my eyes
Imagining what my life would be like with this perfect stranger.
You pulled underneath a patch of trees
And picked up a stick to shave into a point
I giggled out of curiosity and asked your name.
“Sam. My name is Sam.”
You blushed red and I introduced myself.
“I know who you are.”
“Oh, well... its nice to meet you I guess” I said with a laugh.
We sat below those trees for hours,
Quietly getting to know each other while keeping a watch for our kill.
We headed back just as the sun began to set.
My father and I started a fire.
My uncle was already smashed playing cards with my cousins while my mother and aunt manned the grill in the tent.
Its was just the four of us,
Myself, my brother, Sam and his little brother.
We threw snowballs and pretended to hunt for big foot in the trees.
I watched you curiously, and imagined what my life would be like if I loved a man like you.
If we would be happy.
After I’d gone to bed I dreamt of forever with you.
When I woke in the morning you were gone,
Your things packed up and left
But I managed to get your number,
And you text me
“Good morning, Bella.”
...
When I was out of the gate I stuck to the shadows
Using the night as my cover and the moon as my guide
I went slowly until I passed the neighbor’s house
Then ran as fast as my small legs would carry me
As if I was being chased by a pack of wolves
If I didn’t run harder, I wouldnt make it out alive.
I saw your shadow as I was running and slowed to a stop
I stared at your face long and hard,
So foolishly stricken with love
Enveloped in the idea of a happy ever after
Craving for one with you.
I studied every bit of the picture before me
I let your “I love you” ring loud in my head,
Echoing to this day
Nearly 5 years from this day.
Even though we don’t speak,
Even though we have lives of our own, separate lives with people we love,
You never fail to cross my mind.
Not every day, nor every month.
But every time the window frosts over,
And the air smells of sweet fall dew,
Every time the camo comes out and the seasons begin to change,
I find you sitting at the edge of my mind.
Waiting for me under a tree,
Shaving a stick with your pocket knife
And I let myself reminisce in the old days
When we were full of love and fire,
Young and naive,
But full of want for another life together.
And I take my seat and say hello again.
