11:41

A small, sweet high school (almost) memory of those legendary high school dances... didn't we all love those?

11:41 

9:43

I knew the moment I broke the spell of sleep

That this day should be stored in the memories I keep

The second moment after I woke up, I freaked out

Today was the dance, and fears seeped in with doubt

4:37

After rushing a shower and doing my hair

And preparing the corsage and suit in my care

I skidded down the winding steps, triple-checking lists

Opening the door to my car, the wheel held in a tight fist

5:45

Traffic on the freeway made me a minute late to get her

I was terrified- but when I saw her, all doubts were made sure

Hair set cascading, dress designed exquisitely, smile perfect

I reminded myself I had to shake her dad’s hand out of respect

6:29

Pictures went well, even though I had no clue what to do

(Was I supposed to put my hands at her waist, too?)

Dinner was fun, food good enough, and conversations stupid

After hearing her smiles and laughs, my feelings became lucid

8:24

We got to the school that was already shaking from bass

When I thought I forgot tickets I almost threw-up in your face

Dancing was a little awkward at first, but that soon passed

And, is it just me, or did the slow songs finish a little too fast?

11:02

I promised your dad I’d get you home by 12, because he told me

“Me and her mom won’t be home til 12 anyways, just see

That she says safe until then: know she’s my princess.”

Trust me, sir: I wouldn’t ever try to treat her anything less

11:39

We got back to her house early, but the key she couldn’t clench

So we decided to just sit on the porch on the swing-bench

Some conversation sprouted but it mainly descended into silence

I needed to say it, but first I needed unavaliable guidance

11:40

“Hey,” I started, already stumbling, “Tonight was really fun.”

“Yeah it was,” she said, “I’m sad that now it’s all done.”

“One more thing…” the moment, don’t mess up, “I like you.”

A pause - a menacing, tangible silence, … “I like you too.”

11:41

I smiled, and couldn’t stop myself continuing to do the same

There was one more thing I wanted to do before parents came

I put my arm around her and touched her hand, she put her’s on mine

That was the night I realized 11:41 is a really, really good time.

Reviews

[Gee]

Tis a sweet write James. I remember slow dancing with a hip grinding 16 year old siren which left me with an ever growing stain on the front of my chinos...super embarrassing :)

[JamesTleBourn]

Thank you for your kind words, Gee. In these sad, hard times I try to remember fond memories. Keep writing and stay safe.

James

[jacob erin-cilberto]

no better time than the present or 11:42 for that Prom-date-Goodnight kiss.
Ah those awkward first kisses. I usually solved that problem by having a kiss or at least attempting one at the beginning of the date...seemed to help.
I like this trip down memory lane.
almost like "Reelin' and Rockin'" to the prom.
j.

[JamesTleBourn]

Ah yes... nothing more awkward than highschoolers...
Thanks for your kind words!

read moreAh yes... nothing more awkward than highschoolers...
Thanks for your kind words!

James

[light and ashes]

Awe, how cute :) very sentimental.

[JamesTleBourn]

Thanks, Light+Ashes! I appreciate it!

James

[light and ashes]

You're welcome! :)