Tarnished But Not Lost

Phew, well I spent some time writing and editing. Ended up writing myself into a corner and looking for something to do while I figure out how to fix it. So I did what I occasionally do when I need something to do. I started cleaning. I decided it was finally time to move that box of stuff from a relationship long past, and could not resist opening it and rifling through some old memories. I know what you're thinking, yes, I did leave a box on my floor for almost four years and not touch it. I almost continued to not touch it, but decided that it was finally time. I went through the stuff (boy I wrote a lot of notes) and found many small keepsakes that I had long forgotten about. The one that touched me most was a small ziplock bag that had in it a mass of brownish metal. I opened the bag and reached inside to find that the mass was actually once a necklace. A necklace with special significance. In the bag was a copper necklace made of small delicate tipple weave chain links, each link about a millimeter long and maybe one fourth that wide. I got this necklace for her early. I don't remember if it was something like the first month or something like that, but it was within the first year. I found it in a gift shop in West Virginia where my family occasionally vacates to. I believe it was six bucks. It had two connected hearts with a small ball of coal in the center. Kinda a gaudy thing, but it was the best looking one there. I remember she was so sad when the hearts broke off and she lost them. She must have warn that thing for three years straight, every day. In fact I think it was the only jewelry I was ever able to get her to keep.

Also in the box I found some cloths, various small gifts, and approximately half of the near thousand hand written notes we sent back and forth. Funny, I returned hers to her, and she returned mine to me, but what good are they in this form. I almost wish I had kept hers and mine, as I am sure hers were disposed of upon arrival. So much history but what is it worth? Well, I wrote this to help myself reflect. Inside I also found a smattering of bad poetry and terrible spelling, but one thing in particular stood out. Apparently not all of my poetry was bad, as I found one piece that, though I don't remember writing, am proud I did not destroy. It is a bit primitive, needs some metric work, but it has a good heart. I have attached it below.


But it would not be you

This poem is for you.
For the times that you fear.
You can take off your shoes.
And read like I'm there.

Maybe I could do better.
A girl who is more beautiful.
But no one could look nicer wetter.
Than you, after swimming as you do.

Maybe I could find one more exciting.
One who fills my every desire.
But who can ever be more inviting.
For you have given me an empire.

Maybe I could look harder.
Find a girl who is much smarter.
But I would miss the blond-ness you possess.
And especially of all things your unique finesse.

Maybe I could try more.
Looking in every door.
But in every way looking for your smile.
And the way you make every second fully worth my while.

I may be able to find any kind of girl if I tried.
But I can only ask why.
For what I have found in you.
I have never seen one so true.

Maybe I could find some one better.
But in thoughts I would always be untrue.
To be able to go out and get her.
But always dreaming of you.

You're everything I've ever dreamed of.
In the one I like, in the one I love.
Searching for other girls would only make me blue.
For she would never be the one and only you.

N'ar fear, for I shall always be near... And in your heart... is the place I wish to start...

Now that I have recorded this here, it will not be lost like much of the other stuff. I am not sure if it would be right to keep it. Part of me wants to send it off by fire, but another part wants to keep it for sentimental value. But why. So let me ask you my dear audience, should one keep things returned from old relationships, or should those things be tossed?