dverse, music, poetry, prosery

dVerse Prosery Monday — Final kiss

Posted by Lisa or Li on January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Bury me with the lies I told.
–Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“

Final Kiss

We grew up as neighbors. Your folks and ours were best friends. Moms canning peaches together every summer. Dads on the same bowling league. Remember when we all got Stingrays with banana seats?

I remember it started in 9^th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.

By our senior year, you and Billy were engaged. Marilyn and I were dating.

You and Billy married and had couples housing at university three hours away; Susie and I visited you two the first weekend of every month.

Everyone says he looks like me.

We’re 80 now. I could never have married. I miss Billy. I tend the lilies on his grave. Please, never tell Will Jr. Bury me with the lies I told. Farewell, my beloved Juliet.

I am today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday, where we write a 144-word story using the given song lyric.

16 Comments Add yours

Björn Rudberg (brudberg) says:

January 19, 2026 at 3:22 pm

There are some secrets that probably should go to the grave…

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 4:01 pm
  
  totally agree, Bjorn
  
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kim881 says:

January 19, 2026 at 3:30 pm

A complicated love story with a sad ending, Lisa.

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 4:03 pm
  
  Thanks, Kim!
  
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rothpoetry says:

January 19, 2026 at 5:14 pm

An interesting story, Lisa. I imagine there are a lot more who are buried with family secrets untold!

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 5:17 pm
  
  Thanks much, Dwight. I agree with you. With DNA databases, a lot of those secrets are coming to light. Sometimes I think it is best if they are laid to rest.
  
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  1. rothpoetry says:
    
    January 19, 2026 at 8:35 pm
    
    You might be right!
    
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    Reply
Susan St.Pierre says:

January 19, 2026 at 5:16 pm

An entire novel in so few words. Bravo!

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 6:38 pm
  
  Susan, thank you <3
  
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Anonymous says:

January 19, 2026 at 6:27 pm

Great prompt and your story

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 6:48 pm
  
  Thanks, Cheryl (?)
  
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Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 says:

January 19, 2026 at 6:33 pm

It’s probably for the best. Sad though.

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 6:50 pm
  
  I think you’re right, Nancy. Uncle just doesn’t have the same ring to it as Dad :(
  
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  Reply
memadtwo says:

January 19, 2026 at 7:24 pm

As others have noted, some secrets are best kept. And yet…(K)

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Anonymous says:

January 19, 2026 at 8:56 pm

The angst of a secret that can never be told. Often one can’t pull a weed without destroying the beauty of the flower one is protecting. (Dennis Ryle)

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1. Lisa or Li says:
  
  January 19, 2026 at 10:23 pm
  
  Angst is a good word for it, Dennis.
  
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Tao Talk

dVerse Prosery Monday — Final kiss

Bury me with the lies I told.
–Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“

Final Kiss

We grew up as neighbors. Your folks and ours were best friends. Moms canning peaches together every summer. Dads on the same bowling league. Remember when we all got Stingrays with banana seats?

I remember it started in 9^th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.

By our senior year, you and Billy were engaged. Marilyn and I were dating.

You and Billy married and had couples housing at university three hours away; Susie and I visited you two the first weekend of every month.

Everyone says he looks like me.

We’re 80 now. I could never have married. I miss Billy. I tend the lilies on his grave. Please, never tell Will Jr. Bury me with the lies I told. Farewell, my beloved Juliet.

I am today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday, where we write a 144-word story using the given song lyric.

16 Comments Add yours

Leave a reply to rothpoetry Cancel reply

Bury me with the lies I told.–Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“

Final Kiss

We grew up as neighbors. Your folks and ours were best friends. Moms canning peaches together every summer. Dads on the same bowling league. Remember when we all got Stingrays with banana seats?

I remember it started in 9th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.

By our senior year, you and Billy were engaged. Marilyn and I were dating.

You and Billy married and had couples housing at university three hours away; Susie and I visited you two the first weekend of every month.

Everyone says he looks like me.

We’re 80 now. I could never have married. I miss Billy. I tend the lilies on his grave. Please, never tell Will Jr. Bury me with the lies I told. Farewell, my beloved Juliet.

I am today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday, where we write a 144-word story using the given song lyric.

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16 Comments Add yours

Leave a reply to rothpoetry Cancel reply

Bury me with the lies I told.
–Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“

I remember it started in 9^th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.