She was lonely in the morning
She was lonely every nite
It made his heart wonder
If she ever caught the light of day
Before it rolled away
She never had a letter come
Seldom ever took a call
Although her phone rang forever off the wall
While passing seasons played out
From winter on to fall
So Nelson wrote a little card
And picked a wildflower bouquet
He left them on her doormat, knocked
Then swiftly dashed and hid
Exactly like a kid might sometime do
For someone who he recognized was blue
His words were fraught with errors
Loosely scribbled pencil to the page
But his message muddled through enough to say...
r you ocay missus apaltree i hope so . iam fine allmost nine
luv > anonomuss hipopawnomuss
She did not know this wiry boy
Cutting her scraggly bermuda grass
Who planted daisies up the path
Winding to her rustic front porch
What a funny, odd-size wagon he pulls!
Loaded with assorted gardeners tools
Sporting a flaking yellow painted watering can
Most certainly well used
Nelson found some milk and cookies
With a handsome note attached
In perfect cursive penmanship it read…
Hello Mr. Hippopotamus,
May I thank-you for your lovely note?
I’m a retired school teacher who is sad to say I had forgotten how to dote.
So let this little snack of mine let you know you are welcomed back whenever you have time.
You brought some sunshine home to me that’s been missing far too long.
My yard is perking up again thanks for working here so hard.
You must have two of the greenest thumbs nature’s ever seen!
I’m happy to pay you something Anonymous for...the wonderful things you have done.
Most of all I’m happiest about this friendship that’s begun.
With Sincere Gratitude, Mrs. Lillian E. Appletree
PS: I am about to be 73 but until then, I’m still 72 and a half!
Hey, is your name really Anonymous or are you joshing me?
Friendships blossom like gardens do
Young boys and former teachers can start anew
All it takes is a thoughtful soul to get the whole thing growing.
Footnote: Lillian gave Nelson some grammar, spelling and writing tips.
He handily helped her the rest of her life because as they say…
kindness begets kindness in immeasurable ways!