Michael - teenager

by Larry Chamberlin   May 14, 2010


Children always seem easier to raise
When they're little.
They live in their parents' world
And even the Michael Jordans and Alladins
Admit Mom & Dad into the fantasy.

But when they get to those teenage yearnings
Privacy is not protected by just a knock on the door:
They generate a whole world, unattainable by older statesmen.

Jelly Heads take over where jelly beans are cast afield,
And the Mighty Morphin ways of childhood are re-tuned
To Mighty Mighty Boss Tone instruments of exclusion.

Son of mine, taken at an early age from my yard,
I have tried through common interests to keep you
In my heart and me in yours;
But now, the distance we face is more than
The Trip-to-Dallas or a camp-out with the Scouts.

I don't know if I am able to still get down
To the level of innocence that your experience
Has created, this generational world ...
So much greater than the cultural icons you hold up
So much deeper than the decals on your board
So much more intense than the grind you execute
So much more private than any simple knock
on a door could hope for admittance.

LMC 26 August 1997

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Latest Comments

  • 12 years ago

    by Sunshine

    Wow Larry!! I cannot believe, that I only saw this now. this was pretty emotional, just for your information!

    Very deep, more than i imagined it might be...
    Tho there's a huge possibility that I misunderstood it, but i love whatever analysis I came up with ! or felt...

    As though you're speaking of few points, most parents would agree on!

    1) a boy/girl is a boy/girl in parents eyes, even if they give birth for babies of their own. They remain their little kids, who they cant help but be concerned about.

    2) The older we get, the bigger our parents worries get on us.

    3)there's this personal tint in your piece, in which I felt like you're trying to say that when the son becomes a teenager it's not only their wish of having private life..
    "you used the door example, most teenagers start wanting their doors shut, and knocked before someone comes in" but it's a lot more than just that..it's what's going on inside of them...perhaps fearing his rejection ?

    ^
    okay, too much, I am not making sense anymore, lol I guess..

    however this was my favorite, donu, it's so perfect

    I don't know if I am able to still get down
    To the level of innocence that your experience
    Has created, this generational world ...
    So much greater than the cultural icons you hold up
    So much deeper than the decals on your board
    So much more intense than the grind you execute
    So much more private than any simple knock
    on a door could hope for admittance.

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