Thanks for getting back to me,
I told her.
She lives in Paris
and I was worried.
***
Used to sit in the back of the bus
going up Seminary Hill Road
and sing “The Yellow Rose of Carmel”
to her
low enough so she couldn’t hear me
but the other kids could.
She’s the sweetest little rose bud that Carmel ever knew
Her eyes are bright as diamonds they sparkle like the dew
You may talk about your Clementine and sing of Rosa Lee
But the yellow rose of Carmel is the only girl for me.
See, she was blonde.
Probably way grey by now.
***
Decided my life would be enhanced
by getting back in touch with the girls I admired sixty years ago.
Then it dawned me.
Was the girls in between that were the problem.
Had to be them. Or me.
Maybe me.
***
Now that I think about it,
don’t talk to any of the girls in between.