Fascinatin' thread--and rblight, you've gotten a lot of good suggestions here. Jes' one additional thought:

I liked the pearl image, too, but didn't think it was appropriate for a country boy from Kentucky. I presume they don't have many pearls in Kentucky, not being near an ocean and all. My question would be what *would* he compare her to that a Kentucky boy *would* consider important, and not be able to stop thinking about? There should be something like that. If you can find it, use it.

One theme I caught here--though it's not really voiced--is that wherever he goes (or went), she reminds him of home, and home reminds him of her. Can you do anything with that?

And lots of luck.

Joe

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