Juvenile Delinquency

When you look at me, what do you see?

Do you see that they’ve locked me up and thrown away the key?

I’m forever labeled a JD

…Juvenile delinquency…they say it runs in the genes

So what does that make me?

He’s locked away behind bars, in a cage, an animal’s rage finally tamed

Felonies…to the millionth degree

And then there’s me…

I’m not imposing like he is, so it must be something else then,

Because they see something in me

…Juvenile delinquency

He’s locked up in the Hole wishing he was free

Fighting the inmates…so they tell me

“Don’t be like “T.E.D””

…Juvenile delinquency…

I should just tattoo it on my arm

The same place he’s got the

 Tasmanian Devil holding a gun

Why is it because of his mistakes I’m having to run?

Hell they don’t even say his name

They spell it out; a f*****g acronym

Because they’re afraid if they say it he’ll come back again

…and I’m his kid

That’s right I have his genes

But you don’t hear me going around screaming

“don’t f**k with me”

…because I’m not a JD…

When I go shopping, I don’t want your eyes questioning me

Like I would actually swipe something

Yet someone they all know…

They’re just waiting for me to go

Down the same dirt path he did

…all because I’m his kid

Do I look dangerous to you?

So why are you questioning my every move?

Why can’t something I do ever be as innocent as you?

No matter what I do it always comes back to this;

It always ends in an argument

Look, if I wanted to be like him

I would have just gone and visited him

But jail isn’t for me

And neither is juvenile delinquency

This invisible tattoo…the ink runs thick and true

Why waste my time saying I’m not you

When it’s plain to see

…you’ve had nothing to do with me

The acronym…hell your name isn’t a sin

“T.E.D”

They can’t say it, but watch me

TED

Daddy, I’m not a JD

I made a promise only to me;

To never be in that category

Of Juvenile Delinquency

Because I chose to stay free

After all my name isn’t

“T.E.D”

…It’s Josephine

Reviews

[Red]

Ha. I am a juvenile delinquent for drug crimes, but I feel the same ways. I am not here to hurt you, or steal, I don't want to cause trouble-but that's not what the law sees. It's a very painful reality for me, so thank God for probation. But I can't imagine what it must be like for you- my family has switched roles. My mom never sinned, and I have 7 felonies. I wonder what's more painful. I hope you forgive your father, but I don't know what he's done. I hope your relationship heals, I hope your reputation changes, and I hope things get better. Your writing is very dark, mournful in this one, and you portray your emotions so innocently, it's beautiful. Good work.

[Coyote Poetry]

The good part of USA law. All thing done when you are 18 in most state disappears. I believe that is a good law. Everyone makes mistakes. Wise people don't do them twice. Complete poem is very good. Many people fear when they see a bunch of kids. They have forgot they were young once. A very good ending to a powerful poem. Thank you.
Coyote

[Alicia™]

This is a very interesting poem! Great job… I really like it.