Old enough

I'm too young.

At least that's what people tell me.

I'm too young to drive.

I'm too young to learn about taxes. 

I'm too young to hang out with my friends outside of school.

I'm too young to understand.

I don't think I'm too young.

I think I'm old enough.

I'm old enough to know how this world works.

I'm old enough to be able to keep my 2 jobs.

I'm old enough to not have to take the bus or a taxi everywhere and be able to take myself.

I'm old enough to have a boyfriend.

I'm old enough to be able to keep him a secret for 13 months from disapproving parents.

I'm old enough to break up with him in a civil manner and still remain his best friend.

I'm old enough to listen and to learn.

I'm old enough to know my limits and what I can do.

I'm old enough to say I'm old enough.

I may not be an adult yet, but I'm old enough to have my own life.

A life that no one else can choose for me.

I'm too young for the life of an adult, but I'm old enough for the life of a woman.

Author's Note

To be honest, I had no idea where I was going with this :P
Thanks for reading :)

Reviews

[Rachel Fitzgerald-Feele..]

Very real piece caught in the liminal zone of too young to be an adult but too old to be called a child. I especially love the last 2 lines. Well done you ✨️

[A Soap Mess Stories]

Kinda reminds me of the song, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" by Britney Spears. . .

Excellently written

[John the Baptist]

This offering comes across as the age old complaint of youth to be taken seriously. When adult capabilities are demonstrated, adult recognition should be accorded. Unfortunately, society feels forced to enact laws that enforce arbitrary age limits. I don't see this changing.

[.]

Teenagers are too young to be like adults and too old to be called kids anymore. It's complicated but not troublesome, make fun of it... you'll enjoy throughout this period, and energetic for anything you wish. I had such feelings too .... keep writing

[Faust]

Thanks for the review :) BTW I love your profile pic

[.]

Oh! I am glad, hope, you like my poems as well! ;)

[Wild Rose]

That is life Emily
You are not clever enough to do that
Oh how I wish I could meet that chap again
I was your age and leaving school
Now I an retired >> From teaching the stuff I wasn't clever enough to do

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Life and people will dictate to us what is known to be right and wrong but the true truth lies within- we are never too young or old to learn and when we don’t think we need to listen and take advice or we think we know everything that’s when we know nothing at all- we live we learn we make mistakes we fall we rise but most of all be need to be open to grow- people will judge but as long as you do good take responsibility for your decisions and actions life will teach you if you allow it - be good to others no matter what and all shall be well- you are wonderful just the way u are 🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Interesting thoughts here about growing up and I am sure that they will resonate with many of your age. The inbetween years. No longer a child, but neither an adult. Transition years. Don't be in a hurry. Sometimes it sucks being an adult. Many is the time I wished to be a child again. You convey your feelings well in your lines.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Don't rush to be a adult. Ain't so fun anyway.
" may not be an adult yet, but I'm old enough to have my own life.
A life that no one else can choose for me.
I'm too young for the life of an adult, but I'm old enough for the life of a woman."
I want to become a child again myself. The above lines are true, but we must keep being young as long as we can. Thank you Emily for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
' Coyote

[Cherrie]

Some of the best poems start with an opening line then just take off and blossom.

There is an awesome power in this stage of growing which never ends. The first time of a thing leads us straight to the end.

The desire for more freedom, more responsibility is a great struggle. The possibilities are endless (not all of them good).
Looking back I think the deference between parents and teens are. Parents want to govern by worse case scenario of 'Murphy's Law' in motion. While the young only see the moment at face value for what it is.
Those were the days and I'm so glad they're over. :)