Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Summer of Wonder

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things (or feelings) but their inward significance" - Aristotle

           ~

Janie ... Janie Rose

Bright fuchsia painted nails and toes
I was but twelve, a boy ... she, sixteen and coy
Summer mischief at camps on the lake
Warm evenings after dinner, down to the shore

I'd make "the call" - a youthful, visceral howl of promise ... and mystery
Around the misty point it echoed and returned, but much sweeter
(Like a callow phantom searching for straining hearts)
Her teenage version of a nightingale that meant "meet at the tree house"

Oh, how my bones trembled, exictement and apprehension coursing
Inexperience and the unknown dancing like goblins
Mocking me with anxiety, nearly paralyzing
But I HAD to go ... something deep in my marrow burned

A heat that pulled me, despite the horrid confusion and chaos inside
At the lake's edge I would look up at the moon ... swoon
"Watch over me", I'd say, dashing to the tree house up the road
As I got close, I'd hear the radio - her favorite song requested each night

"Why do stars suddenly appear ... every time you are near?" ... indeed
When I reached the rope ladder, I'd take a deep breath ...
And, shaking, aching, I'd climb ... slowly ... up
To a secret, tender world of fear and fun ... and young love, undone ...

The wonders, wild ... of Janie Rose.





~ 3rd Place ~  in the "My Youth" Poetry Contest, Craig Cornish, Judge & Sponsor.

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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart December 19, 2018 at 8:58 AM Love this Greg! Thrilling read :))) xomo <3 Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2018 at 6:48 PM Thank you very much, Maureen! :-) <3

Paul Callus December 16, 2018 at 1:32 PM Beautiful, mostly in an emotional way, Gregory, tackling the intense feelings of a boy on the verge of teenage years. Congratulations on your podium finish, my friend. ~ Wishing you all the best for the festive season! // paul Gregory Richard Barden December 17, 2018 at 6:25 AM Such a kind and beautiful comment, Paul, and I thank you so very much, my friend! Blessings! :-)

Michelle Faulkner December 15, 2018 at 3:46 PM Such a beautiful memory of your first crush, perhaps? Lovingly penned, congratulations on your placement! Gregory Richard Barden December 17, 2018 at 6:24 AM Thank you so much, Michelle ... yes, certainly a first crush, and a bit too early, as I was so confused by it, but all things happen for a reason, I believe. Blessings and thanks to you, my friend!

Carolyn Devonshire December 15, 2018 at 2:45 PM Congratulations on a great win in Craig's contest, Gregory! Sending wishes for holiday cheer to you, Carolyn Gregory Richard Barden December 17, 2018 at 6:23 AM And the same to you and yours, my friend - thanks and blessings to you! :-) <3

Carolyn Devonshire December 10, 2018 at 9:24 AM At such a young age, thoughts leading up to such a meeting can be very intense. You establish the period well with the Carpenter's song and lead us to believe Janie would compensate for his inexperience. Nicely done, Gregory. I think Craig will enjoy your entry. Gregory Richard Barden December 10, 2018 at 7:06 PM Thank you so very much, Carolyn, I'm pleased you enjoyed it! It was the summer of 1970, and while it was a very confusing, exciting, frightening, wonderful time, I wouldn't change it for the world. Things, (ALL things), happen for a positive purpose, I believe, even the most troubling, and that summer ended up being a very important period of my life. Blessings, my friend! :-) <3