Sophisticated Innocence
Posted by Anonymous in Childhood on Sep 22nd, 2007 | 9 commentsI was only a child, approximately 8 years old and yet, apparently I was older than my years. I went into one of the rooms in our house, to get something or put something into the wardrobe. I obviously sensed a presence since I turned to look at the back of me and there, standing and hiding behind the door was a man. I recognized the man, he was a workmate of my Mum’s. Not a word was spoken but we looked directly into each others’ eyes for several, very long seconds then I simply continued on getting or putting and left the room. I have no recollection of anything pertaining to that incident since. There was never a mention of it that I can remember. I do not recall my Mum sitting me down to confer and instill the need for secrecy for my part and yet, I knew that my secrecy was imperative. My Mum and I have a very close friendship and we do discuss other affairs, with men, that she has had. However, to this day, that particular event has never been discussed or even eluded to. I can only surmise that the affairs that she willingly discusses must have some justification, in her mind and this particular one was more errant and deceiteful.
How extraordinary that an eight year old child holds the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or wrong, or harmful and instictively exercises a course of action that pledges allegiance. That the innocent child can have such a strong feeling of devoted attachment and affection to ascertain that being loyal to one’s family and preserving it’s harmony is imperative is astounding.
I often find myself thinking, as I look into the eyes of an innocent child, what wisdom lurks there?
9 Responses to “ “Sophisticated Innocence”
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wow great story, I bet it felt really good to confess that.
You know it actually didn’t. It made me feel that I could have left it unsaid but I really enjoyed the exercise of creative writing :-)
It was written nicely. Kids always astound me at what they get beyond their years.
I agree totally.
Innocence? i think its maturity – the form that defies age. Knowing what’s up and be-ing responsible.
well my story sucks!! i been melested! by 4 giys! but not at once…but it lasted for bout 5 yrs or so!! i never told no one!! it kills me still!! i really need advice!!
wisdom or the sexual urge that begins to inch up on us all
I don’t know how old you are. But I love and envy the way you write.
I understand. I was about 7 or 8 when my mom went to a drive-in bar with a lady friend of hers. While they were talking, a man reached into the back of the car where I was hiding on the floorboard. As a kid, I was always afraid. In the south, good ladies are not supposed to say anything. I grew up in fear and left the state as soon as I was of legal age. Mother never acknowledged the incident and to this day I have no idea if she knew or not or was too drunk to care. I think it’s one of the reasons I hate Christmas songs so much.