Loss of Innocence
A poem I wrote after learning that one of my classmates and childhood friends had fallen pregnant at age sixteen. She consequently left school. This is about the loss of innocence. Written 9 April 2009. Featured in Core [C.O.R.E] and Masterpieces: Literary Workshop.
Loss of Innocence belongs to the following groups:
"Poetry and Beautiful Women" , All Out Emotion, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Childhood, Core [C.O.R.E], Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Current Issues, Freedom In Words & Art, Light In The Darkness, Masterpieces: Literary Workshop, Media and Publicity, On Youth, The Word Tree, Up & Coming Writers and WMGYou stand before me
Hips wide
Eyes defiant
Cotton shirt scarcely covering
Your rounded belly
The thin material
A feeble attempt
To hide
The burgeoning life
Within your womb
Your hand
Self-consciously
Moves
To your stomach
Skin stretched taut
Like a drum
Carrying a child
Let little more than a child
Yourself
“It’s been a while,” you say
“Three years,” I reply
Your eyes follow my gaze
To your stomach
“Twins”, you offer apologetically
So.
No room at the inn
And still another guest
One more mouth
To feed
We talk:
Exchanging meaningless words
That fall flat
On our jaded ears
And when the conversation fades
Into emptiness
We each go our own way
And before we part –
“Sorry,” you offers
Throwing your apology
At my feet
But that one word
Cannot undo
What was done
Such a simple thing –
A mere moment
Of unconsidered passion
Consequences:
The loss of innocence
And the advent of adulthood
Where is the child
I once knew?
Gone.
Her fleeting laughter
Lingers on the wind
You rushed your childhood
Desperate to be
An adult
In the world’s eyes
In the Eden of your youth
You tasted the forbidden fruit
And now you see –
Ignorance is bliss
But it is too late
Anthony Mancuso
these are fantastic words Elucidate, an all too common story told superbly! Well done!
Jordan Busson replied
Many thanks, Anthony.
Ann Palframan
Vivid and engaging writing. Very well done once again:)
Jordan Busson replied
I always appreciate your words, Ann. Thank you.
Anthea Slade
Wow Elucidate this is such a powerful, vivid and intense writing…you have captured me and drawn me into your words right from the first word…So real…so vivid and so felt. Beautiful poem my friend.
Jordan Busson replied
Anthea, thank you. I’m so glad that I could capture the feelings and imagery I was trying to express.
JonoCarrick
Elucidite, I think that this poem is not only beautiful and powerful – I think that it should be recited during sex education. Gorgeous and yet powerful. Well done.
Jordan Busson replied
Do you really think so? Thank you. I wish that everyone could understand the consequences of passion and the often-resulting pregnancy. It would save so much hardship: broken families and shattered dreams.
Erika .
Wow, this is so powerful, Elucidate. This is something that I’ve seen too many times. As a matter of fact, my sister just found out a few days ago that one of her close friends is three months pregnant, and she’s just sixteen. So this is something I can relate to in a way.
Where is the child
I once knew?
Gone.
Her fleeting laughter
Lingers on the wind
I love this part, so heartfelt and sad.
Hope your friend is well. :)
Jordan Busson replied
Truth be told, I don;t know how she is or what may have happened to her. But I hope she is well.
Thank you, Erika.
And, I hope your friend will be alright, and that it will all turn out for the best.
Lisa Jewell
This piece has special meaning for me. I was sixteen when I had my first child. I understand very well the loss of youth and innocence. The loss of a part of life for the giving of life…..in recent years I’ve been trying to regain those lost years, truth be told they cannot be regained.
Gorgeous work…
Jordan Busson replied
Your words are wise, Lisa. While neither you nor my words can replace your lost years, I am sorry. I just hope that more people will learn about the consequences without having to learn the heard way. Thank you, Lisa, for reading and sharing.
Shoaib .
brilliant
this was moving
Jordan Busson replied
Thanks, Shoaib :)
jacqleen
wow…........THIS IS SO SO Powerful …and Sad at the same time…................I so relate to this in so many ways…very touching and moving writing!!!
Jordan Busson replied
Jacqleen, thank you for your kind words.
Ushna Sardar
Jordan Busson replied
Thank you, Ushna. I’m honoured.
dogfish
congrats on your feature.
I like this alot, very emotive, very telling. a poem that alot can relate too and greatly written!
Jordan Busson replied
Thank you. I’m so glad that you like this.
Amber Elizabet...
Jordan Busson replied
You won’t believe, this is my third feature in the last ten minutes! I’m so overjoyed right now – thank you, Amber :)
Amber Elizabet...
Aww big smiles to you dear friend x
Jordan Busson replied
Thank you :)
Astoreth
Congratulations on all your well deserved features Jordan!! As a woman who was a teen mother I deeply relate to and appreciate the time and feeling it took to write these words. xx
Jordan Busson replied
Ah, thanks, Jane. My friend. xx