Sunburns and Tan Lines | Teen Ink

Sunburns and Tan Lines

May 17, 2022
By bugjuicepoetry ELITE, Fort Wayne, Indiana
bugjuicepoetry ELITE, Fort Wayne, Indiana
223 articles 28 photos 11 comments

Favorite Quote:
"I was born very far from where I'm supposed to be. So, I guess I'm on my way home."


When I was nine and reckless
sunburnt and covered in dirt
my mother yelled that all I ever do is make a mess
Now I make a point to clean twice as much as my siblings

When I was ten and childish
loud-mouthed and over-excited
my mother yelled that if she ever saw my face again she would kill me
Now I stay out of her way when she's angry

When I was eleven and enamored by the world
learning, stuffing my head with facts and numbers
my mother yelled that I talk to much and should learn to be quiet
Now I keep my discoveries to myself

When I was twelve and growing
Always hungry, always eating
my mother yelled that I over doubled our grocery bill
Now I don't eat much at home

When I was thirteen and lonely
talked to the moon and the stars
my mother yelled that I should get a friend; stop lazing around home
Now I stay out of my house as much as possible

Now I'm fourteen and finally happy
tanned and shouting at the top of my lungs
my mother yells that I don't spend enough time with my family
Now I refuse to listen to those screams

The words your mother says
stay with you your entire life
I won't let them



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This article has 2 comments.


on May. 24 2022 at 6:19 pm
nooneatall BRONZE, --, California
3 articles 0 photos 111 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Hats off to the past, coats off to the future."<br /> - American Proverb<br /> "Why do you keep hiding behind your mask,<br /> When even the scars formed by your mistakes <br /> are you own constellations?"

Really empowering!

Samhradh GOLD said...
on May. 24 2022 at 11:31 am
Samhradh GOLD, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
18 articles 2 photos 61 comments

Favorite Quote:
Dá fhada an lá tagann an tráthnóna.<br /> <br /> (No matter how long the day, evening comes)

Oh, whoa. This is an incredible poem. The emotion is palpable, well done!