A lesson taught but not quite learned.
image via wikipedia (1946 wrapper)
Growing up near a small rural pre-TV community we kids had to create our own amusement and one of the group games we played was a modified version of hide and seek. It had a name but I can’t recall it. We would divide into two sides and then scatter about the town, even climbing upon folk’s rooftops, in an attempt to elude “capture” by the opposing team. If found, that kid then had to switch sides until one team had no members left.
There was a huge weeping willow tree on a vacant lot owned by the family who operated one of the Mom and Pop grocery stores in town. Its multiple slender branches cascaded all the way to the ground leaving a tent-like canopy inside near the trunk. It was there that a town girl and I decided to hide. I had known her a long time…was a classmate of her sister. Since my mother had died when I was nine I was pretty much raised by the community and had overnighted with her brothers and had taken dozens of meals with her family.
We remained hidden beneath that willow for several minutes listening to the whoops and hollers of other kids as they ran by searching for us and others. I began to notice her gazing at me strangely and edging ever closer even though there was adequate room beneath the willowy canopy. I must point out that she was 14 years old–two years my senior. Suddenly, she grabbed my face and planted a kiss right on my mouth. It was not a peck but a lingering, moist buss I was not heretofore accustom to. Then she inserted her tongue into my mouth. It tasted of Juicy Fruit. I’m 12 years old. I don’t know squat. I bit it.
She extracted her tongue and laughingly exited the confines of our arboreal hideout and went to play with the older kids. I remained hidden until both darkness and quiet fell upon the little village. I peered out between the twigs and determined that everyone had apparently gone in for the night. They hadn’t found me. I guess I won. I walked the mile and a half home with a strange craving for a stick of Juicy Fruit gum.
I always wonder why it is called the weeping willow 
I love this story and the way you tell brings on the smile, thanks
right! a cute and funny story. well, a memorable one. juicy fruit, yum! i really adore you’re art of writing sir
Cute story, I’ll never look at juicy fruit quite the same way again.
great post
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