Ode to Teens and Preteens

This is not my original work. This was written by Pruderick B., a real cool guy who was in my grade 7 homeroom. I found this poem in my yearbook and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Keep in mind this was written by a 12 year old.

Of course it's true

I want to be like the rest.

Buy saggy clothes and chains to look the best.

You don't know why you do it

Or maybe you do

Because I know that almost of you here do it, too.

Why not dress in suspenders like Steve Erkel did?

Why do people take away their personalities?

And conceal it with a lid?

We listen to music we don't even like

Just because the other people find it to be hype.

We're classified in groups by the things we wear

Japs, Ginos, Thugs and the Punks that shave their hair.

But, what if you're not in one? Where do you belong?

Is there something wrong with you, why can't you get along?

There's nothing wrong with you

you're being yourself

So let's be ourselves

And put our fake personality on a shelf

This may not be directed to you

But you know who you are

And people think this through.

Because I also need to think about this too.

I hope you know

This chain isn't really mine

It's not real

But at least it looks fine.

Some people think that all they need is a reputation

But I ask, "Is their brain under total domination?"

I say that because I think

Instead of a rep they really need to think.

"I hope I look good and that my hair isn't took dark...

I also hope that I will get extra marks"

All of us are trying to impress someone

I don't know who.

Try to be yourself

But I'm not going to tell you what to do

If I was, then I'd be the biggest hypocrite

Because being you, isn't as easy as I say it is

This isn't a lecture.

I don't want to bore you.

But guess what?

Most of what I said is true

And denying that fact is the worse you can do.

If this isn't true,

Then tell me why are you wearing what you are.

And think about it,

Will clothes really get you that far?

I'm closing with that statement

I'm going to finish now.

If what I said didn't get to your head

I hope it will, someday, somehow.

Pruderick Balmores 7F