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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Comments (9)
Thank you
I used to do this when I was a teenager. I guess I'd act the same if I'd meet my first love. In its plain way it's really moving. Good luck in the challenge. I hope you score on top for this!
100%. I was in love with a lad in my high school friendship group, and we used to pretend to kiss at parties all the time as a joke - but I was serious, lol! These were my pre-out days, I caught up with him recently and he's lost all the flair he had in Year 12, it always happens!!! Brill entry, Marilyn, I hope you scorch it!
🌼The title is especially gripping; When a Fool Believes sounds both finished and unfinished, leaving a silence that I was forced to fill myself. My heart was beating normally at the first line, but it stopped with a thud when I realized the meaning at the end of the sentence. Your use of hyperbaton suggests something done without being reciprocated, drawing a distance between two people meant to be close.
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!!!