I think this was written in the 1970s, but I’m not sure. The penmanship is mediocre, but it’s a good opportunity to practice reading shorthand written by other people of different skill levels. I’ve written the translation below, so don’t scroll down too far if you want to try translating it yourself first! (Some of these outlines I’m not entirely confident I’ve translated correctly, so please chime in if you have a different read) ….
TRANSLATION:
I list[ened] but I could not say a word
Even if I had I doubt that you would have heard
Yesterday you were just someone sweet and kind
Today you are is [sic] only one on my mind
Has it been just overnight this sudden change in me
For today you are my love
Your life is just beginning my friend
Love has had to go this way