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Raggedy Joe & His Strawberry Bride

Inspired by my grandparents.

By Kozmic KidPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Joseph and Karen, sometime in the 70s.

Auburn silk swayed back and forth as she walked the streets of a little town in southern New York State, the mid 1970s never shined so bright like they did when she was out. With sun-kissed skin, she looked like a honey comb, gentle and sweet. Her attitude was opposite of her outside composition. She was a thorn, with a sharp tongue. An earthly siren wandering graciously amongst humans. Karen Lee, with her petite frame and bell bottoms. You could pick her out of a crowd in a heartbeat. She was making her way to meet with her sister, Johanna, at a local bar. Every now in then the sisters indulged in some drinks, pool, and embracing the gaze of men. It was about the only fun you could find in what felt like a ghost town many people could never get out of.

"Karen!" her name was called out as soon as she opened the old wooden door, dim lights catching the red undertones of her hair. "You made it," embraced by the warm arms of her sister. "Of course, I did!"

The subtle melody of a rock song played softly throughout the bar, men and women sitting at the counters; and the rest swarmed around a pool table. It looked like how it did any other day, she followed her sister to an empty booth in the corner. The spark of a lighter between them, two cigarettes indulged in the flame. Engulfed by a cloud of smoke the sisters talked and laughed, Johanna was telling Karen about her latest beau; and wondering if her dear sister had settled on the heart of any contending bachelors.

Perfect timing to ask, because in that instance the bar door creaked open and her eyes met the baby blues they did once before.

It came rushing back.

She met him by chance, a lone wolf in constant battle with himself and where he belonged. Somehow he ended up in this small town, a big city boy from Williamsport, parading around unknown territory.

Karen fell for him, and she did it so effortlessly fast that when he needed a place to stay, it started with her sofa.

Her sofa soon turned into her bed.

She spent every waking moment by his side, like a teenage girl fawning over a Rockstar. Joe's name wasn't written all over her locker door, and he certainly wasn't cut out and taped to her wall; he was locked in the sea of her eyes, swimming the currents and capturing seashells down below. He was reckless, loud, and bad. The kind of man her father would've chased out of the house if she brought him home.

She liked that about him though, he wasn't a rule abiding, he broke every single one. That's how their love sick haze came to a halt, Joe being dragged away again to prison.

She fell for a jailbird, someone with no concept of home, and love. Thinking to herself how stupid she could be to fall for someone like him.

It happened, even when she convinced herself she no longer stored anything in her heart for him.

It lingered on.

Joseph Henry, looking scruffier than he did the last time she saw him, was now walking back into her life. One foot step at a time, that cocky grin plastered on his face. What was he up to?

Another question so perfect on timing, he stopped in his tracks and pointed right at Karen. Everyone now turning their attention to the estranged hippie standing in the middle of the bar. "You!" He shouted out, like he normally did after a few drinks, but, this time being completely sober. "You're mine lady!"

She was frozen in place, the apples of her cheeks flourished in crimson red like strawberries were smeared all over her skin. Her hair was in flames of fury, yet desire. Who did he think he was, waltzing in here and acting as if they were ever anything more than a few fun nights? How mad he made her showing up at random, but, part of her yearned to see him again. It felt like all her silent prayers had been answered. He came back for her.

He loved her, too.

After that it was history.

Wedding bells, and baby feet.

Raggedy Joe and his strawberry bride, may the sparks never die.

grandparents
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About the Creator

Kozmic Kid

Restoring the kid lost in darkness, every written line at a time.

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