I remember her clearly, the oversized suitcase, the faded rose on her jacket.
Later, at the diner, I asked a local about her.
For at least 30 years she had gone down to the bus station daily and waited for her lover to come take her away.
Funny thing was that the dark-haired stranger had jilted her long before, back in the 1950s. She had waited patiently for him until she was 41 and began the crazy ritual.
I saw her the next day, the spring beauty just beneath the snowy old surface.
I wonder if she is still waiting?
***
Some of you (if you are old enough) may recognize this as coming from the song Delta Dawn (or try this if you like Tanya better than Helen), only I set it 30 years later, say 2003, when poor Dawn is in her 70s, not her 40s (the song says 41).
***
Word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo © Dale Rogerson. Read more or join in by following the InLinkz “linky“.
Trent's World (the Blog) 
What a sad story
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The song it was based on was pretty sad as well
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A bit of an ear-worm, that…
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Yep
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A sweet take, and I do know that song!
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Thanks! There was a time when you couldn’t escape the song, but that’s fine – how often do you hear gospel influenced songs on the radio these days ?
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Not much, unless you listen to an oldies station, I guess.
I listen to a Classic Rock station sometimes, but they don’t go that far back.
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I don’t listen to Classic Rock stations often, and when I do listen to the music of the 60s and 70s, it is usually a lot more on the rock side of things, though I’m a huge fan of the fusion of the 70s. So, no, not much gospel influence…
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With a love that strong, I’m sure she is. Great story.
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She might be… Thanks!
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Loved the song and the story. Well done, Trent!
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It is a great song! Thanks.
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Such a broken heart trapped in time.
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Some people just can’t move on…
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I enjoyed hearing this song. It took me back in time
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It is a great song. I won’t admit to how many times I’ve listened since I posted this ;)
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Great writing, like many others I am now singing the song(quietly as I don’t want to frighten the house hold awake with my voice). lol
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Thanks! It is a very catchy tune, so not surprised you are (quietly) singing it.
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Sad story, to think of what she may have passed up while waiting for the one who dumped her.
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It is very sad. i think there are some people like this, so stuck on one little thing in the past that they can’t live in the present or move into the future.
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You’re right. I met a few in my counseling office.
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I remember this song when Helen first sang it. I like here’s the best. I still sing it.
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It is a song that is deeply ingrained in me, and I have brought it up (in my head) before, but I don’t think I have heard it since I was a kid – it is a great song, and, I agree, Helen Reddy’s version is the best.
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Such a tragic story, poor woman.
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It is hard to understand why some people, like Dawn here, are so fragile that one jerk can ruin their lives.
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Great song! The story is good, too!
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Thanks, Corina. It is a great song.
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Upon reading the title, the song popped in my head and remained during the whole reading. Love this one. And love this story though I will never understand waiting for so long…
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Poor Dawn, I have no idea why she didn’t forget that jerk… It is such a catchy tune and figured a few would get it from the title alone – it was the first thing I thought of when I saw your photo. Thanks!
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I really can’t understand women (or men) who pine for one who doesn’t give a damn…
And so glad you were inspired!
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I’m with you. Sure, maybe feel a little sad about the past, but move forward!
Thanks!
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Sad for a bit, then kick it forward.
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Love the story, Trent, also live Delta Dawn , it’s got to be Helen Reddy for me 💜💜💜
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Thanks, Willow! I do like Tonya’s version, but Helen Reddy’s version is my favorite.
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Mine too 💜
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Love the creative tie-in! And … now I have an earworm … ;)
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Thanks! Unfortunately I have been sing that song ever since I wrote the story! A huge earworm…
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Well, thanks for ‘spreading the joy’ … ;) (teasing!) :)
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lol, yep, maybe I will single-handed create a revival or come-back for this song ;)
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:)
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I’ve never heard this song, but what a brilliant idea to tie in the tale with the song, so sad, but a beautiful song.
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It’s a great song, and the line I used for the title was the first think I thought of when I saw the prompt. Thanks.
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What a beautifully written story, Trent. So tragic. It goes well with the prompt. The roses look forlorn.
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Thanks. it was the first thing I thought of when I saw the prompt – could it be a faded rose from days gone by….
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Trent I love how you took the song and turned it into a story. Sad to think of poor Delta Dawn still waiting for the mysterious dark-haired man.
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Thanks. yes, it is sad to think she’s still waiting for that jerk who jilted her…
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Don’t know the song at all, but the story of tragic love worked just the same.
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The song was hugely popular for a time here in the States when I was a little kid – 3 singers in different genre released it within weeks of each other, so it was on every radio station. Tragic love is a universal theme.
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Tragic and beautiful… a great combination! Well done!
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Thanks!
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A great story accompanied by a terrific song, though I have to say, Monica’s version in Friends is my favourite!
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lol, I had to look it up, but they were a hit, I mean, she was a hit…
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That was moving, Trent and even more so after listening to Helen [I think I prefer her].
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Thanks. I think I like Helen’s version better as well, and I know I listened to her much more than Tonya. A great song, even if very different from what I usually listen to!
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Yes, it is, I agree!
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Amazing story, Trent. I feel sad for the woman and yet wondering. How would it be to
live with such hope.
I had never heard of Delta Dawn but am now a fan. Forwarded it to several friends. 😊.
Miriam
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It is very sad, always look back instead of forward, that spark of misplaced hope the only thing keeping her going. Thanks! It is a great song.
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A poignant story Trent.
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Thanks, Sadje :)
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You’re welcome 😇
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Dear Trent,
Even before I got to your ending notes I was thinking “Delta Dawn.” One of my all time favorite songs. Love what you did with it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was a great song, and one heard all of the time when I was a kid. Thanks!
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