What can I say That hasn't been said before? What can I do That hasn't been done before? How can I show you my feelings are real? How can I tell you The way that I feel? Would you believe me If I said it was love? What would you say If I asked you to love me? What would it mean to you Karen, please tell me. Would you just laugh And call me a fool? Or would you smile and say "I love you, too." Would it possible You loving me Or is it a dream Never to be? There's no other feelings I can show I've told you I love you In the only way I know It's up to you, Karen Either way; There's nothing more I can say. So what will it be, Yes or no? Will I be with you, Or will I go?
I wrote that back in 1971 for the girl who said yes and became my sweetheart in high school. She moved away in my senior year, but the long-distance relationship lasted a couple of more years. And I’m proud to say that, like most of my former loves, we have maintained a friendship, and I see her posts regularly on Facebook.
Oh, the stories I could tell! We reconnected at our high school’s twenty-year reunion and had a wild weekend. My then-wife wasn’t happy when she found out, though.
Maybe you’d mentioned this once before, but I didn’t realize you were a “the second” (John Mark McCrarey II).
Nice poem, from back when “Karen” wasn’t a bad word. Your Karen was a cutie, too.
That’s awesome you’re still in contact. I have a “clean break” policy. When it doesn’t work I usually move, (usually to the opposite end of the country) and I delete their phone number and unfriend on Facebook to put extra steps between myself and any possible reconnecting during those times I might reminiscence or miss the “good ol days”
Josh, different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Love may die, but the friendship that is the foundation of the relationship can live on. At least that’s been my experience.
Using “the second” was just my pen name. I don’t know why I thought it was a cool thing to do back then…