The Teen

How do you say you love them? They declare they don’t need you. Then they ask if their clothes are clean. You fix their lunch, and then they tell you to go away. You give them lunch money so others won’t see you’ve fixed their lunches. You give them the car, yet they won’t call to say they’ve arrived safely. You tell them to pay attention when driving, but learn with the first real scare. They say they can drive, then will wreck the car in the first year of solo driving. They hug their girlfriends, but don’t want you around. They need you in troubles, but can’t stand you in peace. They go beyond the limits, then sneer at your demands. They need help but won’t listen to your advice. They need help but will try to do it all alone. They want to be on their own, but depend on you. They go off alone, but will keep coming back for yet a while. They love you but will never say so. They hate the situation they’re in, but aren’t ready to leave. They think they’re ready for everything, but they’re not. They think they’re ready to be alone, but the world won’t let them be. I love my teen and will worry when he finally leaves. His relief will be tinged with fear. He will always be welcome back home, but may not come. I will miss him and he will miss me, though he will never admit it. He thinks I don’t understand how things are today, because I’m old. Technology changes, but the emotions of growing up are always the same. Needing to go forward, but feeling trapped remains the same with each generation. Being held back by time, conventions, laws, and rules never changes. I understand, they’re just too young to realize that I do. I do understand, because I’m already standing in the world he wants to enter. You will know they care after they’ve left home and call home to hear your voice. Someday they may even come home, kiss you, and say thanks. Contest: Coming of Age 2nd place