A Shadow Called Stress | Teen Ink

A Shadow Called Stress

May 20, 2011
By Ben Kronengold BRONZE, Jericho, New York
Ben Kronengold BRONZE, Jericho, New York
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

There is a shadow and he follows me
Bringing a dark, overwhelming defeat
I named him Stress, you may have one as well
He comes with me always, wherever I dwell

He’ll crawl up your legs and then go up your spine
He goes through your head and makes home in your mind
He tells me that I can never be great
With all of the things that I have on my plate

He sits on my shoulder and whispers me things
And drags me around like a puppet on strings
If I have a test, or work to be done
He comes out to haunt me, second to none

But I realized my life just doesn’t need Stress
And I will still shine and I’ll still have success
The sun will come out, there’s no need to fret
About all those numbers I see on my tests

So I sat him down and we had a talk
I broke it to Stress that he had to walk
He gave me a look that said he wouldn't budge
But I kicked him out, not holding a grudge

The shadow is gone and light fills me instead
Since I realized Stress was made up in my head
And sometimes I will let Stress come to play
So I can prove him wrong at the end of the day

The author's comments:
My day-to-day stress inspired me to write this poem. As a high school student, I have a great deal of work and I strive to do my best. One evening, when I was faced with an overwhelming amount of homework, I took a break to contemplate the feelings of stress I was experiencing. Writing this poem made me realize that stress is unnecessary and a hindrance. I hope those who read my poem learn that they have the power to overcome the debilitating feeling of stress.

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This article has 16 comments.


MJA 21 said...
on Jun. 24 2011 at 11:02 am

What a motivating poem. Really makes you understand that stress affects everyone, but shows that being a fighter and overcoming stress will make you conquer success. All you got to do is believe in yourself. If you master that then no one will ever be able to bring you down or get in your way.  

Great poem!


mfw58 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 9:49 pm
What a wonderful poem! I like your new attitude towards stress, and will try to follow in your footsteps.

geri61 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 9:42 pm
All High school and Junior High school students should read this. It's a very important message that kids need to slow down, and enjoy there lives. Good for you to notice!

nanb said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 4:38 pm
All I can say is that was fantastic.   It was so well written and so insightful.  You are an amazing writer. Keep up the good work  

lezmaz said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 2:55 pm
Ben, very well written.  So impressed!

JLenobel said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 2:48 pm
I will read this every time your crazy sister stresses me out. ;)

ttjefco said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 2:46 pm
This poem will get me through the work week!!  well done, ben!

lk85 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 2:45 pm
amazing poem - you are an inspiration to everyone! i will read this every morning.

zr2105 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 2:44 pm
I totally feel less stressed now - thanks!

ak2xtreme said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 12:58 pm
Incredibly insightful and well written

drw57 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 12:40 pm
this is a really well written thought provoking poem. stress affects all ages and i will think of this the next time i feel stressed.

jjasdk said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 12:16 pm
This is amazing and very thoughtful. I'm a teacher and I'm going to read this poem to my students. Great job!

jayro7 said...
on Jun. 22 2011 at 12:14 pm
Your words of wisdom have made me realize that stress is not needed in my life in order to succeed. All stress is, is another problem that is jsut added onto the obstacles that I face everyday. 

yoobro said...
on Jun. 21 2011 at 11:37 pm
** dr. seuss

suppp said...
on Jun. 21 2011 at 11:36 pm
wow u can be the next 

st99 said...
on Jun. 21 2011 at 11:23 pm
Your'e words inspired me to be a better person.  Your story relates to so many of us.  As you said "stress was made up in my head" which is exactly how all of us feel.