In the mid-1980s, when I was in my twenties and single, I met a man in one of my B’nai B’rith social groups. He was handsome, down to earth, and he captured my attention in a way other men had not. Something about him held my interest.

We kept exchanging glances, and I thought he might come over and talk to me, but he never did. I thought perhaps he might start a conversation that would lead to friendship, at the least. At other social gatherings, he always looked at me. I thought there might be some connection, and from the feelings I developed for him. Especially from those feelings. I even daydreamed about having a relationship with him.

But I was naïve, and didn’t have loads of experience in the dating world, even though I was told many times, ”You are so wise for your age.” And I would chuckle inside, wondering why.

Time passed. I grew up and nothing ever came of those glances, but still, this was a life-altering experience that helped me learn to be strong and empathetic. Unfortunately, many people push these kinds of experiences away. They bury them down deep within themselves and never face their emotions and heal. Or they toss them off as being nothing. But still the feeling remains, and so does the pain.

As for me, I wrote this poem, daydreaming of what a special night would be like.

That One Special Night

The room was tranquil,
The room was dark,
The room lit up
With your tender heart,

You kindled a candle,
And held me tight,
You touched my soul
With your sweet delight

Never did I know
A purer
Love than yours
Which could capture
My essence
And existence or both.

You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart.

Original text ©2025 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by “Secrets” via Wikimedia Commons.