That was the only phrase the “man” in the red shirt could utter in English that crucial, balmy Venice evening (er, morning) back in the summer of ’02. I still don’t know if those words rang true or if he was just a behind the times Fine Young Cannibals fan. For whatever reason I decided to leave my virginity with that… Angel.
I wanted the journal entry I wrote the next morning while riding the train to Venice to accompany this photo — but I just read through it once more and it’s still that brand of dry heave inducing, coming-of-age mortification. I’m talking the feeling took me back to that moment in 3rd grade when I spilled chili directly into my crotch on my birthday and couldn’t get ahold of my parents for a change of clothes embarrassment.
His name is Luca and that’s all I know. Admittedly, as tragic as that t-shirt is… I’d totally scoop it up for a crisp Lincoln if the Salvation Army ever gave me the chance. An insignificant extension of me would wear it while taking someone else’s virginity, but I think that’s the wrong kind of paying it forward.
I’m glad he carried condoms in his tiny, baby blue backpack and that he wore reflective sneakers. Dual levels of safety first.
I think this quote from a friend sums it all up quite nicely: “blake: you lost your virginity to a gay dude?”
Because I’m pretty sure I did.
I remember this!
Oldest/Bestest blog friend (you know too much).
O, bless you. Reading Just Kids, Patti Smith’s auto with Robert Mapplethorpe. You’re in good company..