Bird Island is a deserted island and a short walk across a shallow inlet (at low tide) from Sunset Beach, NC. The first time I went I thought I was on an island that no one had discovered until I saw a park bench up in the dunes. Upon investigation, there was a mailbox there as well with notebooks that people could journal and share their dreams and thoughts about such a beautiful place. This letter to M.L. was written in one of the books and it intrigued me. I wonder if they ever found one another.

THE MAILBOX ON BIRD ISLAND 

I walked along the shore, a sunny day in May The tide was down and the island beckoned.
When the water’s low, that’s the time to go With little threat of danger.
A hike out to the end, where you’d think no one has been You’d be surprised to see a mailbox waiting.
With letters stuffed inside, and I won’t deny And read them with NO debating! 

One letter in the box starts “M.L. I am so lost, since you left I’ve felt such sorrow.”
“No one can fill my heart, and in the time we’ve been apart, It’s hard for me to think of tomorrow.”
“This island knows my pain; it knows how much I’ve suffered It’s helped me in the loss of your going.
As I look out to the sea, I hope you think of me And luck and love to you is what I’m hoping”

            “Oh, now I must go, while the water’s low, but how I’d like to stay
            “If I don’t leave here soon, there’s another tide, another moon, another day”
            Signed ‘S.N’

On the bottom of the page, I found another letter. It said, “Dear Steve, I’m sorry you have missed me.”
“If you ask me one more time, I have changed my mind” “I’d marry you.” And signed it ‘Mary Lisa’.
And in silence I did stare, I couldn’t move, not on a dare. as it salt air or tears that I tasted?
And I wonder to this day, what happened back in May? Some tales are never meant to have an ending.

            Oh now I must go, while the water’s low, but how I’d like to stay.
            If I don’t leave here soon, there’s another tide, another moon, another day…..