We Aren't Alright

Rant. Because teenagers can be a******s, but usually, we're misunderstood. Told from the perspective of a parent reading it. TW

Transitioning from child to teen

is one of the hardest things I've ever seen-

thrown into a world at war,

finding out they have to do more

than sit on the couch and eat and sleep;

Now they much work, now they must think.

Ship off the pampering, lazy days and peace-

now they've six hours of homework to complete.

Throw them temptation in the way;

then beat them when they slip away.

Force them to choose between silence and pain,

take their imagination, shove it down the drain.

As they search for a glimmer of themselves,

tear it away, and fill it with yourself.

Tell them to be mature, but treat them like a child,

teach them independence, but not in the personality isle.

Tell them you love them, but they could be better,

teach them love, the world with four-letters

is always correct (even when it's not)

and is always right (unless they're gay, then it's not.)

Contradict yourself, in order to be right,

until they're too exhausted to even fight.

Watch them deteriorate, the smile chipping away,

ignore the signs until it's too late.

And at the funeral, weep and mourn,

tell yourself it was impossible to see,

tell yourself you didn't notice; you didn't think they would be

depressed and suicidal and ready to be

rid of this world, and rid of you, rid of themselves...

Whatever did you do?