Margaret

An encounter of unrequited love.

Atop Magnolia

Walking through Safeway 

I was punched in the gut

Could not even breathe

Upon turning toward my spoken name

Margaret

Margaret of one sweet year

Teamed side by side

Our desks adjoined seamless

She of easy shared laughs

Of red hair, blue eyes, freckles

Margaret

Fifteen years had passed

Since I was twenty six, she twenty

Oh God, still so beautiful 

We talked, but it hurt, so hurt

Sorrow pooled in my heart

I was drowning

I knew suddenly, again

How I loved her, hopelessly 

I tried to hurry our words along

My partner Diana somewhere in the store

If she came upon us

One look at me

I just knew she would know

Thirty more years have passed

Never again would I see her

Margaret

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Some loves never die even when we end them.
This reminded me of a song by Dan Fogelberg.
This poem expresses that feeling so many of us have about our partner's exes.
Is there still a flame there? Is he or she a threat?
That's just the way it is. As Bruce Hornsby sang.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Jacob. I love music, care to share the name of the song?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Auld lang syne is the name of it.

[John the Baptist]

The theme of lost love inserts itself powerfully in the last verses of this offering. A chance encounter with his one true love ends abruptly for the speaker when he realizes his current partner might discover them. Then we are advised he has not seen Margaret again for thirty years. But he has not forgotten her. How strange and seemingly tragic our lives can be.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you John. You eloquently expressed the human condition.

[Davidgeo]

You've got that human thing running through your writing. There's a little something for everyone in this.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks, I appreciate your reading.

[Randall]

Michael, what a wonderful meeting after fifteen years. At thirty, it would be interesting to see if the feeling is still there. I believe it would be one's heart, never forgets love, any love. Well written, with wonder and emotion.

Randall...

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Randall. I am long retired, and while I always intended to do more writing, it has only been the past year that I have seriously pursued it. In some way, the act of writing week in, week out has changed my brain, so that memories of old loves come to the surface. I believe you are absolutely correct, that we never forget love.

[BuzzyB]

Sometimes a memory punches in the gut, and we gasp for air. Its so powerful, as if that person is right there, with us. But it recedes and reality comes back. Its sad how life happens so coldly. Your poem says it all so completely.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.

[Chris Shaw]

This poem played out visually like a movie before my eyes. Unrequited love sucks. The emotion of the unexpected meeting after many years, well captured and felt. Very nicely conveyed Michael. Hope all is ok in your world. All good wishes.

Chris

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Chris. I’m doing fairly well at the moment. Have a great 2026 and keep writing please.