15 Comments
User's avatar
Noreen's avatar

Wow, I’m left wanting more!

Patrick Gutierrez's avatar

Whew! Amazing. It truly is on fire! All of it. It stirred up my memories of suppressed want, forbidden want. The writing wanders beautifully through body parts, curiosity and it's damn good. Thank you!

LaDonna Witmer's avatar

Thanks for your kind words, Patrick! I love that it wandered beautifully for you. :)

Kristen Martin's avatar

This is 🔥

Sharon Enck's avatar

Even my wannabe hippie mother didn’t know what to say or do!! Generations of ignorance. Bodice rippers and Judy Blume got me through. Beautiful piece!

LaDonna Witmer's avatar

Generations of ignorance, indeed. Thanks, Sharon.

Deepa Paul's avatar

So familiar, and so powerful.

Erica Youngren's avatar

I love the rhythm and movement of this piece, not to mention the humor—"And I did. And I did. And I did."

LaDonna Witmer's avatar

Thanks for noticing that. :)

Nicole Morris's avatar

Stunning. Fierce. Beautiful.

sallie reynolds's avatar

Riveting

Kevilina Burbank's avatar

Public libraries save the day again. Great piece.

LaDonna Witmer's avatar

Public libraries FTW! Thanks.

Sean Covington's avatar

Great writing. Clear, vivid, and honest.

What stayed with me most was the tension between who she was taught she was supposed to be and the curiosity and desire that kept pushing against it.

It also hit me differently as a father with an almost 15-year-old daughter who is learning about herself and the world around her. Making sure she feels supported through that process matters greatly to me.

Thank you for sharing this piece.