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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write something in the YOUNG ADULT or TEEN genre (06/07/07)
JUST A TEEN

I’m not a grown-up nor a child;
I’m something in between.
Though I may act like both of them,
I’m neither—I’m a teen.

When I am in my room at home,
I play my music loud.
I like to go to great concerts
And be part of the crowd.

I love to talk on my cell phone
Or do text messaging.
I love to play computer games,
To win at everything.

I often go out on a date.
At home I watch TV.
To stay up late and sleep till noon’s
The perfect life for me.

My father’s had some talks with me
About how hormones rage.
He says that they’re most difficult
For people at my age.

At school I like my classes
But hate to do homework.
I hope the other kids don’t think
That I act like a jerk.

At times, I don’t know how to act;
I’m not mature as yet.
I should not tell you this, but I
Need bound’ries to be set.

One day I’m quite emotional;
I’m sad when nothing’s wrong,
The next, I laugh and carry on
And sing a silly song.

I don’t mean half the things I say.
Thoughts fly off from the wall.
Some words that fall out of my mouth
Surprise me most of all.

I hate to have to clean my room;
I think that’s sissy work.
I never met a household chore
I didn’t want to shirk.

I like to talk in teen lingo;
It makes my parents mad.
So what is wrong with “You da bomb,”
“Oh Man!” or “Lookin’ bad"?

My friends are so important that
I want to please them all.
I love to go hang out with them.
Just chillin’ is a ball!

I love to own clothes that are “in,”
To wear my shirt tail out.
I like the way my flip flops feel
When I walk all about.

Sometimes I like to be alone,
Away from everyone.
My parents do not understand,
But I love them a ton.

I have a heart for those in need.
I’m very generous;
So Mother does not understand
When Sister and I fuss.

I’d love to have a brand new car
So I could tool around.
How awesome would that be for me--
Just flying on the ground!

I worry plenty about stuff.
That may seem strange to say
Since I don’t have to go to work
Or have the bills to pay.

About my future I’m concerned,
For when I graduate.
I hope that I’ll succeed at work
And find my perfect mate.

I know that God has plans for me
I want to fill my place,
To live my life so when I die,
I’ll look in Jesus’ face.

Treat me with patience and with love
Because you’ll never know
How much you’ve blessed me with your life
Or caused my faith to grow.

And one last word to those who might
Be critical or mean:
I’m very special in God’s sight
Although I’m just a teen.
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This article has been read 1629 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Benjamin Graber
06/14/07
Great job meeting the challenge with this one; I like it!
Kaylee Blake 
06/15/07
How awesome! Spot on, I must say. My favorite stanza:

I hate to have to clean my room;
I think that’s sissy work.
I never met a household chore
I didn’t want to shirk.

Fit the genre/topic wonderfully. Keep up the great work!
Leigh MacKelvey
06/15/07
You certainly captivated the characteristics of a teen!
It wasn't perfect meter, but was still enjoyable to read.
I think a teen would agree!
Good job.
Cheri Hardaway
06/15/07
I love to own clothes that are “in,”
To wear my shirt tail out.
I like the way my flip flops feel
When I walk all about. -- I love this stanza. It says it all.

And this one brought tears to my eyes: Treat me with patience and with love
Because you’ll never know
How much you’ve blessed me with your life
Or caused my faith to grow.

We are on our fourth teen to raise, and this has proven so true in our lives over the years. You think they have absolutely no use for you as parents, but the truth eventually comes out.

Not only does this poem capture the "teen" perfectly, but it is an encouragement to parents too. Thanks, Cheri
Dee Yoder
06/16/07
Your poem captures how teens think and feel. They're strong and fragile at the same time. Enjoyable reading.
Joanne Sher 
06/18/07
Love this - you have totally captured a teen. My favorite stanza is the same as Kaylee's. Great stuff!
Jan Ackerson
06/18/07
This works well for teens, and also for those who are struggling to understand teens.

The meter tripped in a few spots, so I'd encourage a minor tweaking if you do anything else with this delightful poem.

This would be good for a cross-generational workshop of some sort, with a companion piece about what older folks do, and need, and feel.
Trevas Walker
06/18/07
You did a great job capturing the characteristics of a teen, I really enjoyed your poem. Great Job!
Kristen Hester
06/20/07
This is a wonderful poem for teens! Great, great job.
Loren T. Lowery
06/20/07
The funny thing is, is that I can still identify with some of these feelings!
Great job putting these emotions in a teen-age friendly poem.
Brenda Buikema
06/20/07
Very true to what is going on in the heads of our teenagers--I like the win at eveything part--it is so true in todays society. Great writing.
Pam Carlson-Hetland
06/20/07
You certainly described my 16 yr old. Good job. I'm not much of a poetry person, but I found this an enjoyable read that brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye at the end. Wonderful. Thanks.
Sara Harricharan
06/21/07
This is great. I really hope this does well. It sums up everything about being a TEEN. A real teen. Amazing writing, this is definitely a "gem" for this week. There were one or two awkward ryhmes, but read them back aloud and then 'tweak' it here and there. It should do good. This is just amazing!
Betty Castleberry
06/21/07
Nice job of relating to teens. I did stumble a little with the meter in a place or two, but it didn't detract from this very entertaining and true piece. I love the ending. It's perfect.