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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2000-06-18 11:25 AM





The Secret Letter


Among the cobwebbed attic treasures
The memories of yesteryear
Books and pictures, notes well weathered
Some brought laughter, some brought tears

She rummaged  through the souvenirs
For hours and hours in reminisce
Childhood friends and high school proms
Her first real date, her first real kiss

Then she stumbled on a box
Of keepsakes from her mother’s day
Little secret well-kept treasures
Opened now to light of day

She read the letters from her father
Words of love that brought her tears
She walked back through her mother’s youth
Recapturing the long lost years

One more letter left unopened
At the bottom of the box
She sat and stared at it in wonder
Brushing back her golden locks

Dare she read the secret letter
From her mother’s unknown youth
This box of treasures kindly quenching
Thirst for knowledge of the truth

She tore the envelope wide open
Pulled the letter from inside
And in the musty attic air
She read it slowly as she cried

It was a letter full of love
Not written in her father’s hand
Addressed “Dear Rosebud” at the top
A letter from another man

It told of his undying love
And promised her that he would be
Beside her always in this life
And ever through eternity

The letter was unsigned of course
And barely finished in its haste
The ink was stained with teardrops
Of a love that now had gone to waste

She’d had a vision of her mother
Only seen in photographs
And always looking like an angel
Full of love and joyful laughs

And now the vision had been shattered
Now the truth had been exposed
A letter to a "Rosebud"
And her mother was the lovely rose

She took the letter to her father
And through her tears revealed the truth
Her mother had another love
The mother that she never knew

Her father tearfully then nodded
Trembling as he read the page
He said sometimes the written word
Reveals the truth from age to age

He held her tight and said these words
This secret I already knew
This letter’s in your mother’s hand
The Rosebud, darling, it was you

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
1 posted 2000-06-18 11:28 AM


Perfection. Any poem that moves me as this one did deserves to be in the book.  
SEA
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
2 posted 2000-06-18 11:41 AM


Elizabeth~ I was moved to tears.... I can't tell you how this touched me. I can't vote enough.......   -SEA
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
3 posted 2000-06-18 12:15 PM


Moving and touching...like many of your poems...doesn't get any better than this one...

Really enjoyed it... has to be a part of the book for sure...

Regards, sudhir

JOY 14
Senior Member
since 1999-09-22
Posts 1419
Wisconsin USA
4 posted 2000-06-18 01:07 PM


I agree with all.  I loved this poem, Elizabeth!

Joy

JP
Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343
Loomis, CA
5 posted 2000-06-18 01:39 PM


Damn.  This one made me tear up, and that is not an easy thing to do...



Yesterday is ash, tomorrow is smoke; only today does the fire burn.
JP

"Everything is your own damn fault, if you are any good." E. Hemmingway

X Angel
Senior Member
since 1999-11-07
Posts 1521
Oregon
6 posted 2000-06-18 04:17 PM


dang ya got me crying.
this was incredibly sweet, especially because my Mother and I aren't close at all.
*sigh*
Beautiful beautiful words my dear
H

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
7 posted 2000-06-18 05:06 PM


Liz; I have chills and I'm so touched. Definitly your best ever. Can't wait to see it in the book. love, Ellie
Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
8 posted 2000-06-18 06:15 PM


Oh Elizabeth ... I keep saying "this one's my favorite" with you ... but it's true each time!  I absolutely adored this!

Best wishes,
/Kit

LoveBug
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697

9 posted 2000-06-18 06:20 PM


Liz, this touched me as deeply as it did the first time I read it. You have my vote!

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde

poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
10 posted 2000-06-18 10:59 PM


Definately the kind of stuff this book should be made of girl!  I'm sniffling too - I loved the twist, really made this one special.  

"Fantasies enrich our lives to the fullest, but true satisfaction comes from creating your own story in the real world! Live out your fantasies & make a storybook with beautiful pictures for the world to enjoy! -poetFemme


ESP
Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556
Floating gently on a cloud....
11 posted 2000-06-19 02:52 AM


This is perfect. *vote*. What a touching and beautiful poem. I love it.

Love and hugs,
Lizzie


"Poetry is the true expression of my soul, it is my ultimate means of communication. It is my rainbow of delight."

BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
12 posted 2000-06-19 09:23 AM


Elizabeth - Ditto all of the responses previous to this, so wonderfully touching.  Bonnie
Jon Mewett
Senior Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 1304

13 posted 2000-06-19 09:31 AM


Just wonderful.

Jon

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

14 posted 2000-06-19 12:38 PM


How you could ever choose between all your masterpieces is beyond me... but this one is a perfect reflection of your amazing gift
jm

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

15 posted 2000-06-20 03:16 PM


I have been looking for this---absolutely one of my all-time favorites---was hoping you'd post this....
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

16 posted 2000-06-20 11:05 PM


This has to be my most favorite of yours, Elizabeth, without a doubt!  

Denise

Yu Lan
Senior Member
since 2000-04-13
Posts 1462
New Zealand
17 posted 2000-06-21 12:07 PM


beautiful.. such a magical poem.

Loved this work Elizabeth, just fantastic.. yep, well worth publishing! ^_^

Lynne

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened." Lao-tsu


spiked
Senior Member
since 2000-01-13
Posts 873
Hammond, La USA
18 posted 2000-06-21 12:24 PM


You had me even before the end
thanks
Rich

wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)
19 posted 2000-06-21 12:29 PM


i remember this one it gave me goosebumps and it still does yuh
bsquirrel
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855

20 posted 2000-06-21 02:28 AM


Sure, it's sentimental, but I never would have guessed the ending -- and you tempered the sentimental side with lovely details and wisdom. So I'll forgive you.   Definitely should be in the book.

Mike

linda munday
Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315
Adelaide, Australia
21 posted 2000-06-21 03:40 AM


I got goosebumps..here goes round three of my goosebumps.  It was fantastic.  Moist eyes and heartfelt gratitude to you for this.
What can I say.... WOW WOW WOW

deleeme
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA
22 posted 2000-06-21 03:48 AM


yes, yes--- Put this one in the book and make it the very first one there-- this is Fantastic, Liz
  I'm glad you submitted it,  David

Elyse
Member
since 2000-04-16
Posts 414
Apex (think raleigh) NC
23 posted 2000-06-21 09:35 PM


so so wonnderful.  one of your best.  

luv Elyse

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
24 posted 2000-06-21 09:45 PM


Ka-Ching! Vote's in  
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
25 posted 2000-06-21 11:10 PM


Thank you all so very much for your wonderful responses to this poem.  You warm my heart
Liz

Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
26 posted 2000-06-21 11:14 PM


Hi Liz,

You can write girl so beautifully so much enjoyed.

Love,  Cerenity

Novacaine For The Soul
Member
since 2000-05-26
Posts 122
New Orleans
27 posted 2000-06-21 11:50 PM


dear elizabeth santos,
     *wipes away a tear* oh my, this poem is so incredibly touching... this absolutely must be in the book... it seems your fans have secured you a spot already, simply wanted to throw my vote in  

sincerely,
a sad tomato

you're such a beautiful freak... i wish there were more just like you...

Alle'cram
Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816
Texas
28 posted 2000-06-22 01:40 AM


Liz,  A masterpiece! This one stands alone. It made me tear up and tells a sad but loving story. Wonderful-Heartwrenching-Strong
Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

29 posted 2000-06-22 01:45 AM


Oh I remember this one and it gave me goose bumps all over again. Beautiful! You've got my vote.  

My grief lies onward and my joy behind
(Shakespeare)

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
30 posted 2000-06-22 03:57 PM


One of my favorites...could that be...I love them all.  
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
31 posted 2000-06-22 09:34 PM


Thank you again, all, for your wonderful remarks. My children here in Calif. are enjoying this forum
Liz

Kellsue
Member
since 2000-05-06
Posts 210
Waukesha, WI USA
32 posted 2000-06-22 09:35 PM


This is one of the most touching and beautiful poems I have ever read.  I love everything you write, but this is one of my favorites!

~Kelly


~Kellsue

Reflect upon your present blessings-of which every man has many-not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~Charles Dickens

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
33 posted 2000-06-23 04:22 PM


Kelley, your remark warms my heart because this is one of my favorites, too, and I thank you for your kind comment and to the many others who responded
Liz

Nicole
Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835
Florida
34 posted 2000-06-23 04:55 PM


Yes Yes Yes!  Oh big sigh here, I absolutely love this poem.  I am SO happy to see you submitting it!
*vote!*

Not A Poet
Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885
Oklahoma, USA
35 posted 2000-06-23 05:15 PM


How could I have missed this one before now? This has to be one of the most beautiful and touching poems I can remember ever. I was really getting into the story until she took the letter to her father. I wondered how she could do that. Then the twist at the end brought a real tear.

Absolutely wonderful dear.
Pete

warmhrt
Senior Member
since 1999-12-18
Posts 1563

36 posted 2000-06-23 11:21 PM


A lovely tale told in lyrical language...a more than worthy addition to the book.

Kris

the poet's pen...gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name ~ Shakespeare


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
37 posted 2000-06-24 02:02 AM


Satiate, Thank you for your nice response

Pete, I'm so glad you liked thisone.Thanks for the comments

Kris, Thanks foryou sweet remarks
Liz

tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
38 posted 2000-06-24 05:23 AM


Elzabeth~
My god I don't know what to say except this did make me cry...the last line is what did it...beautifully sad Liz
God bless
Tracie~


Love is the life of the soul...
It is the harmony of the universe



AVANTI
Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 664
INDIA/MAHARASHTRA/PUNE
39 posted 2000-06-24 07:14 AM


simply wonderful poem...
I remain...moved...

If all was light...then I would have never learnt the dark...from which such truth evolves
from which evolves the light...
Avanti Rao


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
40 posted 2000-06-24 05:53 PM


Tracee, thamk you dear, if it made you cry, it made me happy, Thank you so much

Avanti, Thanks so much for you kind response to this poem

Love
Liz

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
41 posted 2000-06-24 05:59 PM


Elizabeth Santos~
As much as I love this one -
I want to see you submit my favorite ! !
It's 'Same Time - Next Life' ...
pretty please !
Love ya' gal ...
wish I was in California with you ...
I'd go see Martie (she's my sister of love)
and my sister, Lori ... my sister of birth and love !

I know your family is happy having you and Tony there.
Love ya'
~*Marge*~



~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
42 posted 2000-06-24 06:17 PM


OK Marge, I'll have to find it in the passions files since I;m not at my computer.  It will be just for you and Martie
Love ya
Liz
(I just think I've sbmitted too many)
But for you----

insect
Senior Member
since 2000-04-22
Posts 1014

43 posted 2000-06-24 08:50 PM


WOW! Love this poem!
I know it will go in the book.
Well it better.
I wrote a poem similar in a way.
All your work is great!
It's got my vote.

tincan5
Junior Member
since 2000-04-25
Posts 33

44 posted 2000-06-25 06:07 PM


What a wonderful poem! You write so beautifully, it is always a pleasure reading your works.    
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
45 posted 2000-06-25 10:44 PM


Elizabeth,
You got my vote on this one. LOve Sy

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
46 posted 2000-06-25 11:21 PM


Insect,
Thank you so much

Tin can,
I appreciate your comments

Sy, I'm glad you finally found this forum. You should be posting here. Thanks for your vote
Love

Liz

WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
47 posted 2000-06-26 09:32 AM


I remember this one, and it still has the same affect on me. This one most definitely belongs in the book  
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
48 posted 2000-07-10 10:52 AM


{~,^}

Sunny

~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
Helen Keller ~~~

When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
49 posted 2000-07-10 03:06 PM


WhtDove, Thank you so much

Sunshine, Thank you for pulling this one out of a dusty attic

Love
Liz

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

50 posted 2000-07-10 09:53 PM


I traveled a long way to get to the end of this thread! It was worth it, had to tell you how much I enjoyed this one. It just touched me so much.


Kathleen

Rosebud1229
Senior Member
since 2000-04-05
Posts 1813
North Carolina
51 posted 2000-07-11 12:51 PM


I to am very touched by this poem tears came to my eyes so loving and very much felt, I have three lovely daughters of my own.
Rosebud1229
Senior Member
since 2000-04-05
Posts 1813
North Carolina
52 posted 2000-07-11 12:52 PM


oh forgot to vote, and this one well deserves to be in book.
jamesjiao
Member
since 2000-04-12
Posts 268
Backwaters of Avalon
53 posted 2000-07-12 06:56 AM


Liz. It's a sorrowful poem.. I just don't know what to say, I am so touched by the person who wrote the letter. he'd paid the ultimate price for dreaming. and i am sure she must have been someone who's worth to be loved.. true love needs no return and the man had proved this.. Thank you for teaching me this.. liz... I love all the poems you wrote.. and will vote for them all.. &_&

- James
The beauty of nature is displayed,
not through itself,
but through the creatures
dwelling within its bosom.



Geoffrey Sonnen
Member
since 2000-07-05
Posts 142
Reading, PA USA
54 posted 2000-07-12 12:59 PM


Yes, I cried too. Absolutely beautiful. I know that yearning. My definite vote !
Poertree
Senior Member
since 1999-11-05
Posts 1359
UK
55 posted 2000-07-12 06:05 PM


Liz

must have been blind to miss this ... immaculately emotional ..... you are a master at this ....er ... should that be mistress? ... lol  

it was wonderful

philip

Sky_Dancer
Junior Member
since 2000-07-07
Posts 17

56 posted 2000-07-12 06:49 PM


I'm just going to be another person to tell you how this brought tears to my eyes. So very touching... I wish I knew my mother too.
Romy
Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170
Plantation, Florida
57 posted 2000-07-13 10:22 PM


This read like a story that I couldn't put down! Nice surprise ending, very touching!
Debbie

Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
58 posted 2003-01-16 02:43 AM


And this has to be re-read by another generation of poets at Passions, please re-post this one.

~ The soul lies buried in ink that does not flow ~
        

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