Hey Melissa,

Sorry about the previous letter. I hope I didn't
come off as pushy. I tend to forget that finals pop
up since I'm not longer in school. Was thinking back
to when I first emailed you. I told you that I was a
writer and that I might right something that can fit
into one of your stories. Well just to refresh your
memory I write mostly about Love, and other matters of
the heart. I finished writing this one a few days
ago, and it just now hit me that it seems like
something that Keiko might send to Otaru, especially
with all the stuff that's been happening to her
lately. Well at least do me a favor and tell me what
you think.

Kevin Joseph Keys Jr.

Quietly

Quietly, ever so quietly I look at you, there’s so
much I want to say. I talk up the courage to talk to
you, but when I get close all my courage went away.

Now, quietly my heart cries out as it quietly breaks,
I wish my courage could have stayed a little longer.
Perhaps I reacted a little too quickly, maybe with
more time it would have been stronger.

So, quietly I grow angry with myself, frustrated
because I didn’t speak. Tormented inside for doubting
myself, and tortured for being so weak.

And, quietly I think of what to say, this time I’m
determined to get it right. I glance around the room,
just to make sure you’re still there, now I have you
in my sight.

Then, quietly I once again build up my courage,
letting it fill up to the very top. And I get up and
start walking towards you, determined that I will not
be stopped.

But, quietly I want to back out of this, yet I can’t
this must be done and it must be done now. I’m sure
there’s a way to tell you how I feel, I can’t figure
out how.

Finally, quietly I tap your shoulder trying to keep a
straight face, you smiled and my heart nearly broke.
I couldn’t find a single word to say, but I managed to
quietly hand you this note.

By: Kevin Joseph Keys Jr.