Seventeen Summers

~ a heartprint ~

art ~ luis ribas

 

 

I lost the song you wrote for me

scribbled on a paper napkin

borrowed from the ice cream stand on the boardwalk

               

I miss the warm August afternoons

strawberry swirl ice cream melting

sticky sweet on bubble gum lips…

 

only to be washed away as I danced

in the marshmallow capped waves

while you sat in the sand

strumming your guitar,

                                                blue eyes beaming

as if the ocean were your audience

 

Seventeen summers since,

I still watch the tide dance

                                                remembering

sticky sweet August afternoons

as I struggle to remember your song....

                                                                                                     

 

 

 

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

"to be washed away as I danced
in the marshmallow capped waves
while you sat in the sand
strumming your guitar,
blue eyes beaming
as if the ocean were your audience"

Wow. Sooo beautiful as far as wording and imagery. Romance is dancing indeed with your tidal words...Excellent...:)......................

[MsJewel]

Thank you Sami. You are very sweet. I wrote this about my first love...I wish I could remember that song..... :) Julie

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. You are welcome...:).............

[Ruth]

Such emotions are so visceral, they do linger when triggered, sigh...beautiful xo

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words Poppy :) Julie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

being seventeen and in love, and in retrospect, feeling that ice cream feeling from seventeen years ago---
still that sweet sticky lip balm we don't want to wash off---that taste of strawberry---mmmm
sensual memories.
the first stanza is almost a poem in itself.

[MsJewel]

Wonderful memories.... Thank you Jacob :) Julie

[Steven]

Just the right collection of moments to paint a bittersweet picture with. It's funny the things we remember and forget. Nice write

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your lovely comment Steven :) Julie

[Lyn Anderson]

This conveys the truth of heartbreak and memories. There are some things one never forgets.

[MsJewel]

We always remember our first love, but...I still can't remember that song!!! :) Julie

[dan]

Julie, Thank you for sending the read request, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I've never been to anyplace that had a boardwalk but the way you weave this tapestry of images makes it seem as if I was there watching as the two of you danced and frolicked on the beach. August was never depicted to be this cool. Very nice write! take care...dan

[MsJewel]

Perhaps some day you will get the chance to visit the beaches in California and walk the boardwalk - or ride your bike or roller skates - and see the ice cream vendors, the little cafe's, etc...I'm glad you enjoyed my memories. Thank you Dan. :) julie

[dan]

Julie, Do they sell salt water taffy there like they do in Ocean City, MD? My wife went there with friends and brought back a big pile. Mmmm......that was good. Thanks for the fun read. take caer...dan

[MsJewel]

No salt water taffy - I think that is an east coast thing...but lots of strawberry swirl ice cream!

[Valentine]

Memories are one gift from God that time, or distance or death can not destroy. Valentine

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words Kathie :) julie

[SmittyJas]

Beautiful tribute to a long lost friend or to you soulmate beside you if you are so lucky. Oh such a blessing to read this blissful write.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Jim! :) Julie

[Jennesis]

ooooh! This one brought me back. How we never forget some of those sweet summers in our youth, but we forget the words that came with them some times. Marshmellow capped waves....gorgeous

[MsJewel]

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

[Trace]

A poem so beautiful shouldn't break your heart.
But knowing your history
I know this wasn't easy to write..

But I can picture it in my mind
Only to see the guitar player fade away
Along with his song

Slowly and softly into the horizon
And so goes the memories.

Amazingly beautiful.

HUGGS.

Trace

[MsJewel]

Thank you sweet beast. :) Julie

[Ana B.]

Very beautiful and melancholic flashback........gorgeous write, as always Julie :)

[MsJewel]

You are very sweet Ana. thank you :) Julie