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 From the AtticRandom Ramblings by T. Owen Stark
We worked together at the same mall, same store. She would sometimes come in the back and we'd catch a kiss or two before going back out. God I remember that like it was yesterday. It's funny how those quick, wonderful moments in life lodge in your memory and never leave. I remember when I first asked her out and she made a call from a pay phone in the mall. I didn't hear much of the conversation, but I think she was supposed to baby sit or something and she was trying to talk her sister into taking the job for her. We went dancing and at that time I cut a rug pretty good. It was the disco era and although I wasn't into the music too much, it made for great dates. I was a real klutz in those days (still am) and I was terrible at directions. I remember getting lost on the way to a concert in Washington, D.C. and ending up in Virginia before finally finding the place. Another time I couldn't find the car after a concert and really lost my temper. She put up with it though…for a while anyway. One day she surprised me on my birthday. My roommate thought it would be a good idea and called her. That would have been the night, and it was obvious. But I hesitated…stalled while I tried to convince myself it was a bad idea. If she could only have read my mind, perhaps she would have understood. Instead, she stormed out of my apartment and I never saw her again. I've regretted that day ever since. Today, I found her number. This time it was published. After some nervous minutes I made the call. She was married, had a small boy and had to get to work. Perhaps it was a mistake, but I had to know. It was obvious that her memories and mine were vastly different. I suppose the moral to this story is an
old one… 'He who hesitates is lost.' If only we could live
our lives a second time knowing what we learn the first time
around. If only…
Tom Owens was born in Washington DC. After living in Maryland for many years, he became a single parent and now resides in Virginia with his children who are the first 3 loves of his life. The other three are music, movies and The Washington Redskins. Tom also dabbles in poetry. You can read more of his poetry at http://starkimages.blogspot.com/ Send Tom a message either directly or using the Word Catalyst feedback form. For more from Tom visit the Word Catalyst archives or his online home. |
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I looked for her number once…maybe 10 or 12
years ago. There she was, but the number was unlisted. I thought
about pursuing it further, but I didn't. It was somewhere in
the neighborhood of 30 years ago when we had a little time together.
She was gorgeous, funny and so, so young. Not illegal young,
but young…just out of high school, I think. I was in a dilemma.
I was crazy about her but did not want to rush this one. She
was special. I was 25 and yes, unmarried. I was also extremely
jealous, which was incredibly stupid of me as this same vice
caused problems in a previous relationship and I should have
known better.
Cheshire Cat
Songs of
