When a Fool Believes
Say It Plainly Challenge
Written in her notebook one hundred times: her first name, his surname
High school memories are still alive; he was her first love
Every time she hears "Mad About You," a giddy schoolgirl smile returns
Nodding to 1986 and their first kiss
Always and forever, she often told her teenage pals
Fleeting, it was only fleeting; graduation, summer's end, a sad goodbye
Off to college, he went, moving four hours away
Onward, life advanced separately, each pursuing dream careers
Let it go, she tried, and thought she succeeded
But feelings always crept up, especially in the quiet of the night
Early last week, they bumped into each other at the local diner
Long ago resurfaced, sparking hope of rekindling; her wish had come true
Illusions consumed her, rising to his apologies; his smile was only polite
Every little failure suddenly came rushing back
Very obvious to others: his body language, excuses, unreturned phone calls
Elements she overlooked because fantasies ran wild
She still writes in her notebook; her name minus his surname, questioning her foolish beliefs
...
Author's note: My entry is for the Say It Plainly Challenge and partly inspired by this song by the Doobie Brothers.
Sometimes, idealized love becomes an illusion when one party doesn't reciprocate. What might be plain as day for onlookers meets the blind eyes of the infatuated one. On some level, I think many people experience some variation of a "Fool's belief," especially during youth.
About the Creator
Marilyn Glover
Poet and editor, writing to uplift humanity; working on her debut poetry collection to be released in 2026.
British American dual citizen living in the States. Mother of four, grandmother of two.
Owner of The Quiet Collective
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More stories from Marilyn Glover and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Cave Part 6
If you have ever heard a tale about yourself that you cannot remember and doubtless think is made up, you will know how I felt when Tharkin related all that the eagle had seen of me before my memories were scattered. Of far distances and traveling companions that I did not recall, camping out under the stars and making our way to the mountains with deliberate purpose. The great bird had lost contact with my party once we entered the forests, and the seven other members were not seen again by him or his brethren since.
By Jamye Sharp5 days ago in Chapters
Comments (5)
Yep, I think you're right. Great poem, Marilyn. Good luck in the challenge.
Omgggg, I've experienced this before! What a fool I was, lol. Your poem was soooo relatable and I absolutely loved it!
Your author's note sums it up best: -Sometimes, idealized love becomes an illusion when one party doesn't reciprocate.- Been there for sure... Great entry, Marilyn. Best of luck!
poignant and to the point. great entry 👏🙏
This is so sad but so relatable. Good luck in this challenge!!!