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

[Trevor Barnett]

I thoroughly enjoyed the way you've portrayed your high school flame. You made me feel like I was there witnessing the story. An excellent job!

[MsJewel]

I'm thrilled you enjoyed this one Trevor. It is one of my favorite memories. :) Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this story in the poem. I like to go back in time. With the internet funny to see people you kissed and didn't tell in old age and grandmas. I like the thoughts on a good memory. I like the question at the end. Do people we loved or liked remember us? Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[MsJewel]

Thank you! :) Julie

[Cassie]

Wow!!!1 this one is a nice story of teenage love, I also wonder if he remembers, sometimes parents can break love that is true and also sometimes they can save you from drama the rest of your life by grounding you, I hope you are happier now.

[MsJewel]

I am very happy now. Thank you! It was a long, long time ago. :) Julie

[s y e]

You are just simply the best Julie. I loved this one and your title is so funky, aha.

[MsJewel]

I'm so glad you liked it my sweet friend. Have a lovely evening :) Julie

[katnisscat]

I love the detail and I can see why it is a popular poem. It is a bit sad but amusing at the same time.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I appreciate it very much. :) Julie

[Ruth]

I so love the wander through this, we pave the way for so many memeories don't we? I often wonder if people do remember...I am convinced they do...along their own journey...I adore this piece x

[MsJewel]

Thank you Poppy! :) Julie

[Dezelene]

Loved the story, its realistic and just lovely the way you described the characters. I could picture it in my mind.(:

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your wonderful comment. I appreciate it very much :) Julie

[SheriH]

Brilliant, so imaginable and wild,
you can feel the emotions jumping out at you,.
I loved it , it remains me of wild love.
sheri~

[MsJewel]

Thank you Sheri :) Julie