I wrote this poem for my youngest daughter when she was going through a rough time, and I’m posting it with her permission. (She has grown up to be all the good things that her mama predicted, by the way….she was all along – she just had to figure it out).
By: Jana Greene
“13”
She sees herself in dimmest light,
All shadows that she doesn’t like
And awkward features
In her mind all,
Predicting every trip and fall.
She feels alone in mass of crowd
And tries to hide within her shroud
Of shortcomings,
All in her mind
Afraid of what the light may find.
She only knows that it’s not fair,
That “perfect girls” with flaxen hair
And flawless looks
And stellar grades
Really sometimes feel just the same.
She sees herself as in the dark
Inadequacies in contrast stark
To the proud and bright and secure around.
So, feeling small… she makes no sound.
If only she could stand outside
Those limits that she sets and hides
Behind as if they were in stone….
She isn’t falling.
She’s not alone.
She’s beautiful
This much is true,
But her brown eyes should see it too.
Proud and bright, secure and true?
One day, her eyes will see it, too.
The Beggar's Bakery 
I so remember being this age and feeling like this. I think we all still feel 13 sometimes! Beautiful poem.
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Lovely tribute to your daughter.
Your poem reminds me of most
Teenagers! I can’t say all, but
speaking from my memories your
word ring true! Thank you!
Stevie
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Thank you mama for being there for her.
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Aww, its my honor to be there for my babygirl. I am so proud of what a smart, funny, responsible young lady she is becoming 🙂 Thank you for the sweet comment, belle!
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Thank YOU, Stevie, for reading the post and for understanding about those teens. They will drive you nuts, you know, lol. But I am blessed that they are smart, forgivinig, beautiful, witty and loving young women….in spite of me! Love and hugs!
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Me too! I still battle feeling “13” sometimes even now!
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I know I still feel 13 sometimes! Hugs to you, Karen – I pray you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
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Your daughters have blossomed into amazing beautiful kind young ladies. Bravo to an awesome mom!
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Thank you, Liz. They are my heart for sure!
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It’s only Thanks to you that I was able to overcome the rough stages of life.
I live you so much mom!
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*Love
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Okay, kiddo. You are gonna make yo’ mama cry! I live you so much, too 😉
AND love you so much, my baby.
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