Thirteen | Teen Ink

Thirteen

February 2, 2009
By HBCdance BRONZE, Ann Arbor, Michigan
HBCdance BRONZE, Ann Arbor, Michigan
3 articles 0 photos 26 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish." - John Jakes


Everyone says
That thirteen is still young
But it feels ancient
Such a high number
Towering on the time line
Of my life

Everyone says
That I'm gonna love
Leaving childhood behind
But what if I loved
Being able to cry
Over a paper cut
And not knowing
About global warming
And terrorists
And algebra

Everyone says
That teenagers are criminals
But couldn't it be
That I don't want
To do drugs
Or spray-paint houses
Or traumatize toddlers
Couldn't it be
That I just want
To be me

Everyone says
That now
I'm an adult
And I'll acquire
A whole batch
Of new responsibilities
Maybe I don't need
More authority
Maybe I just need
More freedom
No strings attached

Everyone says
'Happy Birthday'
And it is happy
For now
I have nothing
To worry about
Except the number thirteen

But I will grow up
I will get older
My thirteenth will be here
And then it will be gone forever
I'll be a teenager
I'll be so happy
I won't ever regret
My birthday
Everyone says


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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 11 comments.


on Sep. 24 2009 at 7:53 pm
HANNAH!

Sorry i'm so late commenting, I was sorting though my inbox and found this! I love love love it, especially the part about no knowing. Sometimes not knowing is better. Ignorance is bliss!

on Jul. 10 2009 at 9:34 pm
jesus_saves GOLD, San Antonio, Texas
10 articles 2 photos 57 comments

Favorite Quote:
You know somethings wrong when you can't share your thoughts with your self.
-Sadie P. Jackson

You are right we do write about a lot of the same stuff

how did you start writing

purplemango said...
on Jul. 9 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hannah,

I've told you many times (especially in the writing process of this poem), that it is truly gorgeous, really amazing! I don't know if I've told you this before but I'm going to say it now. A few months ago, my English teacher had a sheet we had to fill out about poetry. There was this one question, "Who is your favorite poet of all-time?". And you know who mine is? You. I answered "Hannah C is my favorite poet of all time." Because it's true. You have such a way with words and your poems always have so much meaning, more than I could ever dream of getting into mine. You really are my writing role model and really I hope someday that I can write 1/2 as well as you :) Love you forever,

Your BFF,

<3 Stina <3

on Jul. 7 2009 at 7:06 pm
jesus_saves GOLD, San Antonio, Texas
10 articles 2 photos 57 comments

Favorite Quote:
You know somethings wrong when you can't share your thoughts with your self.
-Sadie P. Jackson

Hey girl!!!! This poem is so beautiful i want to cry. childhood will be over someday and it will be a whole new adventure. If you don't mind I want to e-mail this to my cousin on her 13 B-day.



I found this poem because you gave me the only comment on my poem lily. and thanks for the criticism.

click on my name and you can view more of my poetry.

on Feb. 21 2009 at 10:31 pm
Hey girl Hey!

I love it, it's so very true and well written. see you :)

on Feb. 19 2009 at 11:12 pm
Hannah thats wasa amazing!!!!! i loved it liked it the most because it is sooooo ture!!! you have to tell me if you ever post omething again!! keep in toch! <3Ena<3

smileygrl96 said...
on Feb. 19 2009 at 8:58 pm
Hannah this is the most awesome poem ever! Luv ya like a sis! ;{P

hehe

Grandma Mary said...
on Feb. 18 2009 at 4:44 pm
I am so impressed with your poems that I almost feel like crying with emotional pride! You make it seem easy, but express yourself and your innermost feelings so very well. I look forward to more of your extraordinary writing.

trkeith said...
on Feb. 18 2009 at 1:14 am
Oh my goodness Hannah!!! I am so proud of you!! You are so talented. I didn’t even know you liked to write poems:) Good job . . . no Great Job.

drakieten said...
on Feb. 17 2009 at 12:49 am
Wow Hannah! This is a wonderful poem. I feel so proud to have had you in my class way back when. You are talented in so many different ways. Keep up the great work! Ms. R

Gaddy17 said...
on Feb. 16 2009 at 9:20 pm
Oh my goodness! That's a Wonderful poem, Hannah! It's simple beautiful! So nice to read aloud and so moving. I just love it! Congratulations! Keep writing!! N.