Memory Peeks -- NaPoWriM 2022 Day 21 # 2 poem

[My Photo, Jimmiehov--click for larger view]

   If My Memory Serves 

Eleanor was her name *

We dated our first with 

each other, night was brisk. 

I had my dad's pickup 

Broken foot couldn't walk 

After the show we parked 

We parked and talked and talked 

She sat so close to me 

made me nervous, sort of 

Then she came closer still 

felt she wanted to kiss 

Eleanor was my first, 

only to kiss a girl 

who left her glasses on 

She didn't take them off 

She worked on the sixth floor 

of the watch factory 

while I was on the third 

I don't know what she did 

I ran six screw machines 

automatic screw machines 

I kept the rods coming 

and made sure blades  were sharp 

Eleanor and I stayed 

apart, no dates again 

Me? Went in the Army 

She? Moved back to her town  

Never saw her again 

No letters passed by us 

I've forgotten her name *

One of few can't look up

Army educated 

it educated me 

Went to France learned of Gogh 

St. Remy "Olive Grove" 

I snapped a picture there 

Picture, his Olive Grove 

Matched it with his painting 

Scene I'll never forget 

Memories, precious ones 

Some parts I've forgotten 

But remember enough 

'Nuff to keep me happy 

Would I ever attempt, 

try to fill empty holes? 

 [By Van Gogh, click for larger view] 

 NOTES:  

* (1)  Eleanor I'm sure was not her name.  I really cannot and probably never will remember her name. 

(2)  All this is true except that in the Army I DID NOT GO TO FRANCE.  I spent my five years all in ElPaso, Texas, at Fort Bliss.  Later, Mrs. Jim and I holidayed in France.  The Olive Grove is across the street from his Sanatorian at the edge of town, St. Remy, Provence, France. 

 _ _ _ 

 - Photo and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2006 and 2022, All Rights Reserved 

 - I'm linked with NaPoWriMo Day Twenty-one, 

https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twenty-one-7/ 

  - This prompt asks you to write a poem in which: 

(1)  you first recall someone you used to know closely but are no longer in touch with; 

(2)  then a job you used to have but no longer do;  

(3)  and then a piece of art that you saw once and that has stuck with you over time; and 

(4)  finally, close the poem with an unanswerable question. 

 Happy writing!