By James Perry
The old man was sitting in front of the old elm tree which was one of many that lined the school property in a deep southeastern town in Alabama. I walked over to make sure he was okay. As I came near, he was sitting there staring at the elm tree with tears running down his cheeks. He appeared to have been successful in his life judging from his appearance and his clothing. I asked if he was okay and if there was anything I could help him with. As he turned to look at me my eyes wandered to the elm tree and there was an old heart shape carved into the tree with these initials carved inside the heart, “Stuck-Up loves Angel Eyes.” The old man said, “I appreciate your offer but it’s too late for any help, but thanks for offering. You see that heart carved into this elm, I carved it there in 1962 after meeting a beautiful girl that I gave a pet name of Angel Eyes. I had just moved here from another state, entered my senior year in this school and saw Angel Eyes on my first day here in school. We didn’t speak until the next week but saw each other every day. A few days later we bumped into each other and she backed up, looked into my eyes and asked why I was so stuck-up.

I told her that I had just moved here and didn’t know anyone. She then told me that I had better speak to her anytime we met at school or else. That’s when I noticed her eyes. They were a golden color and the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. After this little talk and warning of hers we became close friends over our senior year. Angel Eyes told me about her life. Her father disappeared on a south Pacific Island during World War II in 1945 while in the army. Her mother did not remarry and did a good job of raising Angel Eyes as a single widow. She had pictures of her father which she brought to school and showed me. We never dated or were considered sweethearts but became close friends. We loved each other as close friends and searched each other out at school.

After graduation I didn’t see her for five years. She had married a local man, had a couple of kids and worked in a bank and ran her home. She died a few years later from cancer. I am here now looking at my carving on this elm tree wishing that I had been a better friend and been in contact with Angel Eyes until her young death. Life kicks you in different ways and friends who want nothing but your friendship are rare.” I told the old man thanks for telling me why the heart and letters were put on the elm. He looked at me and said, “Young man don’t let yourself be like me as an old man regretting decisions that you may make.” I shook his hand and left him sitting by the elm tree. This is a true story.

Some songs you’ll enjoy. Just type into your computer on YouTube.
1. I’ll Walk Alone by Eddy Arnold
2. Pretty Angel Eyes by Curtis Lee
3. Makin Love by Floyd Robinson
4. Oh, Rosemarie by The Legends