Jackson Free Press

Although this was written before Valentine's Day, it serves its purpose for the occasion. As a writer (I use that term loosely), I have found that when a moment hits you to write, you do everything in your power to write. The below piece was written in my head one November night last year. LK was away in Kentucky, and it was our first time away from each other for an extended period of time. I "wrote" the piece in my head as I stood outside. Amazingly, I got the pad and pen out and was able to capture the moment.

Most every day for us is Valentine's Day so we will not be celebrating like the norm. But that is fine with us. Others will not understand it, but to each his own.

I share this with everyone for another reason as well. It should stand as an "I can do it" piece. In Donna Ladd's writing classes, she will read a work from an established writer and ask the question along the lines of, "Now what is so great about that? It is not fancy words that you do not know the meaning of. It is a matter of using real words and showing, not telling." As you sit and ponder that, it comes to you that she is correct. It is just a matter of showing with words, not telling.

I wrote this and now share it with you, I believe you will get the picture of what I was feeling and looking at in the hemisphere. I entitled it Willow Tree and the hand-written version is hung in my penmanship in our home.

Willow Tree

It was a crisp, cold, cloudless night. The stars were glowing a beauty that reminded me of the glistening in your eyes when we are forehead to forehead. The first cold night of this winter was warmed, as I stood on the patio and thought of our love. My want at that moment was to see you, and to have a 360-degree view of the unhidden majesty above. As I tightly gazed at the hundreds, possibly thousands of the light bursts above, there were not enough to measure the reasons I love you! As I scanned over the low horizon, my view was impeded by the willow tree to my right. I studied it. I pierced a glare through it and found it! Amongst the many interwoven leaves and branches, there you were. A star so brightly shining it lit the tree in a way that these days, only artificial light can do. It was a special moment. One that mirrors our first kiss, well all of our kisses. I was warmed even more, like a Mississippi August, to know that you are mine! It was a perfect solo moment. I knew I would not snug with you tonight but this memory was enough to make me be fine with that. It was enough to anticipate even more your arrival back into my arms. I love you!

Celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend with yours. But more than that, celebrate it everyday!

Previous Comments

ID

156253

Comment

Really, Moorebully? You should have attached a photo of Fabio with that.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2010-02-24T09:13:18-06:00