Too Cool for Ketchup

~ memories ~

art ~ Janet Hill

 

 

 

I was cherry lip gloss and a pink bikini

Diet Coke, ruffled skirts

and summer kisses from nervous high school boys

with sun burnt noses

 

I was a typical sixteen year old girl

 

He was torn up levis and a leather jacket

messy blonde hair, Marlboro cigarettes

and a Rolling Stones tattoo

on his left forearm

 

He was dangerous

 

I was holding hands and French fries with ketchup

on a Saturday night

 

He was too cool for ketchup

 

He was bottle rockets on the fourth of July

French kisses and third base

on a Saturday night

 

We were inseparable

 

He was not my father’s favorite subject

 

He was the boy

throwing tiny pebbles at my window

I was the girl

climbing on the back of his black and silver Harley

for a midnight ride…

 

The wind in my hair

The feel of his soft cotton tee shirt against my cheek

as I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist

 

“Someday Jewels, we will keep riding

and never, ever look back”

 

I was grounded for the rest of the summer

 

I was the girl crying at her bedroom window

He was the boy that looked back

only once

to blow me a kiss good bye

 

And 25 years later

I wonder

if he remembers

Reviews

[stars are far]

This is so lovable.. The story implied in this poem is really so great.. And yes.. he only looked once and blow a kiss.. thats what they do..then what? they forget who are you even, they don't bother themselves to even think about you or what they've done... I dont know why im so against them.. im sorry if im being on my side..not accepting them..but thats well done.. i loved it

[MsJewel]

I'm thrilled you enjoyed this one - it is one of my favorite poems and favorite memories. :) Julie

[Jack...]

What a fun ride you have taken us on. I could hear the music on the juke box as I read this wonderful piece. You have woven a fun nostalgic tale for us this day my friend and brought us all (well some of us) back to those days of little cares and oh so much fun.

[MsJewel]

Those were fun days - the beach, the sun, the fun....
I hope your day is lovely Jack. Thank you for the great comment. :) Julie

[MAC]

this is fun to read with your amazing use of imagery. Julie, if he isn't thinking about you everyday then he is either dead or it was a smart choice to not be together. Brilliantly written reflection.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Mark! :) Julie

[MAC]

welcome :)

[Frieda P]

Love the title, great read Julie, we always fall for those bad boys that break our hearts even at the tender age of 16. ;-)

[MsJewel]

What is it about those bad boys anyway? LOL...
Thank you for your wonderful comment Frieda :) Julie

[Scott Metro]

This is wonderful !!...a nostalgic trip.
A tale of innocence and budding ...I can almost taste the spirit of the rebel.
.I was that bad boy at one time..brings back vivid memories of careless, youthful love.
I am impressed...you captured the whole picture so very well...KUDOS !
Admiration.
Scott

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your lovely comment you bad boy! Have a beautiful day! :) Julie

[Scott Metro]

:)
Scott....

[Pryde Foltz]

Great story-telling, Julie. I can't help but side with your dad. Wink.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your lovely comment Pryde. Have a beautiful day :) Julie

[Saddam]

Oh wow!!!! A true explanation of memories. Very clear. Wonder I... Love this one. Thanks

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend. Hugs, Julie

[Christyn Jeffries]

This brings up vivid images of another decade. Thank you for sharing! I really like it.

[MsJewel]

I guess it was a few decades ago - feels like yesterday though. I guess you never forget your first love. Thank you for your wonderful comment :) Julie

[Christyn Jeffries]

You're welcome! :)

[wordman]

yes I still remember,and still to kool for ketchup

[MsJewel]

I love ketchup, but I've never been "too" cool. Hugs, Julie