North of Jellico

I left something in Kentucky
just north of Jellico
lost, now in the Cumberland

Youth is never wasted --
It's spent,

When she took my hand and led me 
over the rocks and into the stream
I wasn't sure if it was the cold water
or the feel of her skin against mine
that caused my stomach
to clinch and rise to my throat

More likely it was fear

As her body moved over mine 
I felt a fearful, spiritual sensation

The sermon that morning
was on the evils of the flesh
and the sin of earthly desire

That preacher had never been chest deep
in a mountain spring 
staring up at a noon sun 
through strands of auburn hair
and eyes illuminated by water
glistening in the mid-day light

I left her standing at the intersection 
of the gravel road and her dirt driveway

As her fingers slipped from mine
I asked if I could walk her to church 
again, next Sunday.

Reviews

[APOORVA]

When she took my hand and led me
over the rocks and into the stream
I wasn't sure if it was the cold water
or the feel of her skin against mine
that caused my stomach
to clinch and rise to my throat
CLAPS ! CLAPS! CLAPS!
THERE LINES ARE JUST OUT OF THIS WORLD.... I ADMIRE YOUR STYLE OF WRITING AND WAY OF STITCHING WORDS ALL TOGETHER.

I left her standing at the intersection
of the gravel road and her dirt driveway
ONCE AGAIN A REFLECTION OF PERFECTION IS SHOWN HERE.. COMMENDABLE JOB

[James]

Thank you, for the applause I don't think I've ever gotten one before. I'm glad you enjoyed this
read moreThank you, for the applause I don't think I've ever gotten one before. I'm glad you enjoyed this

[Island Hippy]

Aloha James, these are beautiful words of innocence and learning all those things that are becoming less & less sacred. You have such a ease about your writing, really lovely. Izzy

[James]

That's a great compliment. I'm glad you enjoy it so much.

[Shweta]

"That preacher had never been chest deep
in a mountain spring
staring up at a noon sun
through strands of auburn hair
and eyes illuminated by water
glistening in the mid-day light"

Beautifully conveyed...

[Tazeen Ahmed]

I admire the style and structure and the simplicity of it. It intensely captures memories.
"Youth is never wasted --
It's spent,"

[Pete]

this is a great write. deep and meaningful and thought provoking. pensive. i like everything about it - great intro & especially the ending. i very much like the style - there is an innocent, subtle yet real playfulness to it. love the lines "Youth is never wasted --
It's spent," - fantastic.

[Shannon]

Not wasted, but some of us may have misspent it.

Sweet, fun and exploration captured a moment in time.

[Papaya]

Youth is never wasted... :)
What an adorable innocence this has to it.
Those days when we tested the waters before going all the way....

[James]

Yea, I bet that water is still cold, too. I like how you describe it as innocence because I really think it was, mostly.