Shipment From Childhood | Teen Ink

Shipment From Childhood

July 19, 2009
By SarahWaters SILVER, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SarahWaters SILVER, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
8 articles 0 photos 18 comments

Can’t breathe in any freedom;
Breathe out only disdain.
Three layers of bubble wrap,
So I won’t even know when we hit a bump.
An ounce of Styrofoam,
Just in case I try to wiggle in my box.

Squish myself together,
Not sure what’s leg
And what’s arm.
As a thank-you
For making myself fit,
You make my box smaller;
Walls tighter,
So I just squeeze
Again.

Well,
When I arrive at destination adulthood,
Small,
Clean,
Perfectly packaged,

I’m going to run
Farther than I would if you ever let me walk.
I’m going to sing
Louder than I would if you ever let me talk.

I’m going to be bigger,
Bolder,
Badder
Than I am,
Because you made me small
In a box.


The author's comments:
Inspired by an overprotective school.

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This article has 3 comments.


on Jan. 30 2010 at 7:34 am
These poems are original masterpiece paintings on fresh clean canvas. They are music to be heard round the world. Tell us more. The world is listening. (Like your interests...go get'em , girl!)

on Aug. 2 2009 at 5:19 pm
I'd say that you have a future in writing. Best wishes, Your Italian Grandmother's Goddaughter

on Aug. 1 2009 at 8:08 pm
Sarah, this poem is so graphic. It tells exactly how you feel. You are a great writer