I Had The Time of My Life
This picture was taken in 1988! I remember when my boyfriend picked me up for the date, we went back to his parents’ house and they gave us a copy of Dirty Dancing, which had just come out on excellent VHS! So CUTTING EDGE! SO FINE! Believe me, we DID have the time of our lives.
The dress I am wearing is featured in my “Velvet” flyer,I did a couple of months ago. I loved that dress. I wore it to another dance, with another boy, at a different school, but THIS WAS THE NIGHT when I couldn’t wait to wear it. This was the night I had pined for and shopped for with all my babysitting money, stashed in a jar. This was the night that I COULDN’T WAIT FOR, and I used to take out the dress and finger its dark green velvet, thinking IT’S COMING. I had matching black velvet pumps and nylons, two things I don’t think I’ve worn in years. I remember when that made sense to me: nylons and pumps. Other things made sense to me then too, like wearing Guess Jeans as a form of social success, and believing that if given the chance, I might have a shot at making George Michael love me. Looking back, such things, of course, don’t make ANY SENSE AT ALL.
This guy in the picture was the first boy who loved me. It was a MESSY and torrid relationship. Well, it was messy. I think he wanted it to be torrid, but I was TOO UPTIGHT. Last year, I was going through my stuff and found the stack of letters he wrote to me during our 5 month courtship, and our 8 month relationship. The relationship didn't end well. Adolescent love burns BRIGHT and SCARY. Now I read his letters and think, in his own way he was trying to make sense of A LOT. His letters are emotional and heartfelt and yes, in some places, not so HEALTHY, but SENSITIVE none the less. I think back to that 16 year old boy and think, wow, you had a lot going on, and you did your best. I hope, dear God, that you know I was too.
He’s married now. A mutual friend showed me his wedding pictures. Some people you can’t shake, even if you want to. I thank him for introducing me to the Violent Femmes. I still listen to that album and I remember him every time. Like I said, some people you can’t shake, even if you want to.
The dress I am wearing is featured in my “Velvet” flyer,I did a couple of months ago. I loved that dress. I wore it to another dance, with another boy, at a different school, but THIS WAS THE NIGHT when I couldn’t wait to wear it. This was the night I had pined for and shopped for with all my babysitting money, stashed in a jar. This was the night that I COULDN’T WAIT FOR, and I used to take out the dress and finger its dark green velvet, thinking IT’S COMING. I had matching black velvet pumps and nylons, two things I don’t think I’ve worn in years. I remember when that made sense to me: nylons and pumps. Other things made sense to me then too, like wearing Guess Jeans as a form of social success, and believing that if given the chance, I might have a shot at making George Michael love me. Looking back, such things, of course, don’t make ANY SENSE AT ALL.
This guy in the picture was the first boy who loved me. It was a MESSY and torrid relationship. Well, it was messy. I think he wanted it to be torrid, but I was TOO UPTIGHT. Last year, I was going through my stuff and found the stack of letters he wrote to me during our 5 month courtship, and our 8 month relationship. The relationship didn't end well. Adolescent love burns BRIGHT and SCARY. Now I read his letters and think, in his own way he was trying to make sense of A LOT. His letters are emotional and heartfelt and yes, in some places, not so HEALTHY, but SENSITIVE none the less. I think back to that 16 year old boy and think, wow, you had a lot going on, and you did your best. I hope, dear God, that you know I was too.
He’s married now. A mutual friend showed me his wedding pictures. Some people you can’t shake, even if you want to. I thank him for introducing me to the Violent Femmes. I still listen to that album and I remember him every time. Like I said, some people you can’t shake, even if you want to.
posted by Summer Pierre at
5:28 PM
2 Comments:
this makes a lot of sense to me... thanks for putting it so well.
You di-int... Oh, I loooooove that photo...
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