A Letter To My 16 Year-Old Self

Dear sweet sixteen drama queen:

I know you don't want my advice,
But shut your smart mouth and listen.
The last decade has been quite a ride
And I want to share my wisdom.

Don't think you're above getting tickets -
When you drive, keep an eye on your speed.
And don't brush your teeth so roughly
Or your gums will start to recede. 

Make time for being creative -
Write and paint as much as you can.
When school ends, you'll be working
And time will slip through your hands.

You're not immune to tragedy;
Every heart is destined to break.
You'll witness death, sickness, and pain,
But you'll learn from every mistake.

Always treat strangers with kindness -
You don't know what they've endured.
Be even kinder to Mum and Dad -
Because YOU are what they've endured!

Talk to your grandparents weekly;
Ask questions, learn about the past.
Your history lives within them
And memories won't always last.

Of all the advice I've given,
I hope you'll heed this one thing:
Fall in love with the good guys.
With bad boys, just have a fling!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Zerbst Avatar
February 28, 2013 at 8:14 AM
What great advice! You did a great job on this one, Heather! I have been thinking that I need to write and paint more and spend more time with my Grandparents and all that. Haha! I really like the part where your parents endured you! Sounds familliar! ~Thank you so very much for your recent visit; it means more to me than you know.
Hunter Avatar
February 27, 2013 at 1:48 PM
Ha...love that last line...My letter would simply read...Dear Caleb, Don't do it....
A   Avatar
January 8, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Heather, Congratulations with your winning poem in David's awesome contest.. pd
Guzzi Avatar
January 6, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Congrad's on your win Light & Love
Liwayway Avatar
January 5, 2013 at 4:21 AM
Congratulations on your win friend Heather!! It's fantastic write! Happy New Year!!:)
Sibanda Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Congratulations! Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Gasun Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 7:45 AM
My hearty congratulations on your super win and great write my dear poet friend Heather! Happy New Year, too!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 5:17 PM
Way to go, I really liked this one. Happy New Year!
Williams Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Heather congrats on your win, I loved the way you told yourself off...David
Veetil Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 3:26 PM
Wonderful poem. Congrad's and a Happy New Yr.
Bauer Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 2:51 PM
congrats on a great job!
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 2:16 PM
Big congrats Heather love, and all the best for the new year xx
Lamoureux Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 12:53 PM
This is wonderful, if only we could go back and share wisdom with our old selves. I wonder if we would listen?? Wonderful poem.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
December 17, 2012 at 2:12 PM
wow heather this is brilliant , this is my story, where were you when I needed you , just love it xx
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