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Open Poetry #36
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exhale
Senior Member
since 2003-06-13
Posts 646
Alberta,Canada

0 posted 2005-08-24 09:57 PM


i wonder,
as i sit at the counter
of my fathers home at the edge of the city
sipping my coffee
listening to jazz
why is it my age is such a restraint?

why is it,
when i walk into a drug store
i'm followed.

why is it,
when i try to join in on a conversation about
politics
history
art
music
with "adults"
i'm laughed out

"oh what we're talking about would bore you."

so i walk away
fuming
because apparently,
at age 16,
the average I.Q
is 10
and i'm expected to
dumb down
because i'm not "of age".

because at age 16,
i'm not supposed to have read
ayn rand
or john ralston saul
i'm not supposed to like my coffee black
i'm not supposed to know who miles davis is
or
charlie parker
or
oscar peterson.

because at age 16
i'm supposed to enjoy my youth
i'm supposed to paint my nails
watch MTV
and sit and watch my intelligence
go down the drain.


© Copyright 2005 Chelsea - All Rights Reserved
stevebrklynnyc
Member
since 2004-01-04
Posts 292
GA, Camden
1 posted 2005-08-25 12:13 PM


Nice write, but dont rush 16, its the best time of your life!!!  
Bodger
Senior Member
since 2005-06-12
Posts 1260
Tolerance for a short time
2 posted 2005-12-28 01:04 PM


Everybody has to have somebody to look down on

Dave

Jeep Monkey
Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 96
Chaos
3 posted 2005-12-28 02:45 PM


Who is Oscar Peterson?  Should I know this person?  I am but 36, and don't know everything.  Don't want to know everything.  I would much rather paint my nails and watch MTV.  *sigh*.  Enjoy 16, sweetheart - there'll be plenty of time for the adult stuff later - whatever that is!  I still am not sure!

JM

Huan Yi
Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
4 posted 2005-12-28 07:32 PM



A good write,
yet I agree: don’t miss your youth.
Many if not most conversations “adults” have
on topics over which they have no influence
are poor compensations for the absence of vigors they
once had and time took away.

John

exhale
Senior Member
since 2003-06-13
Posts 646
Alberta,Canada
5 posted 2005-12-28 07:48 PM


god, if only we could self erase,
this would be in the pile
eck.
I was in a bad mood when I wrote this so I apologise, either way, I think I long for somewhere to fit in, (which I guess can be conisdered typical) I was deprived a childhood and I don't seem to be a teenager or even know what that is, soI guess I'm just waiting for that niche
thanks for the comments

majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area
6 posted 2005-12-28 08:28 PM


well done. i can remember feeling very much the same, and for me it was not that long ago. but don't worry about it, a good size chip on ones shoulder is a good thing.

oh and i really do not get why 16 is the best part of life. that means that the next 60 years (on average) will be worse. that is an argument for dying young if i have ever heard it.




-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.

SEA
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
7 posted 2005-12-28 09:11 PM


I think it's fantastic that at 16 you are educated and knowledgeable about more than MTV. Good for you! I'm sorry the adults around you are blind to the fact that you have something valid to contribute to a conversation, or God forbid actually learn from talking with them. It probably scares them that you know some things, they don't. And sometimes, it's good to carve your own niche and let others try to fit in with YOU.
Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
8 posted 2005-12-29 01:10 AM


have many of these rants in the archives, grins. i understand where youre coming from, grew up with older brothers and no relatives my age. it's hard to relate to them, harder still to when youre smarter than all of em
Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
9 posted 2005-12-29 02:38 AM


There certainly is a case for enjoying your youth but when you get older you won't regret the knowledge gained at age 16.  You may, however, regret not being more vigorously active when the body was able so my advice for what it's worth - leave the old folks to what is sometimes pointless chatter and go ride a bike.  Feel the wind through your hair and sun on your face!  But I know this was just a feeling of the time - a very well expressed feeling.  Loved it!
Helen

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