I loved this when you sent it to me and I am so pleased you posted it, because seriously there are so really wise thoughts in there and it shows how you think of things in such a optimistic way, but you are also a realist and you know how love is, you have experienced it at these stages in your life and are sharing your experiences with the world.

You made me realise a lot of things about my own past, my own love and things I never really understood.

Chelsey, you are such a talent and such an awesome person, we all love you and I certainly couldn't live without you and your opinionated, strong, but totally trustworthy and honest self.

Love ya girly
xxxx

I read this earlier, but I was unable to comment...I was too speechless. You almost described my love life to a T, it's indescribable the feeling I felt when I read this. I don't think I've ever been able to relate to a piece of poetry the way I have this.

Part I: Teenage love is innocent and enchanting. You are at that giggly laughter and everything about that guy is absolutely adorable. You think it's perfect, they're perfect and you will be together forever.

I adore the second stanza - it's so true... you are a little awkward at that stage, everything feels weird on your body and your mind races with different thoughts and you are just trying to figure out who you are. Also, the addition of making out at the lockers, lol... dude, I seen that so much...and I have to admit, I was one of those couples at times, hahaha.

I've always hated the on and off relationships, but it happens...especially when your hormones are sky high. Breaking up over silly things, getting back together an hour later...high school romance at it's best, lol.

"You'll sit outside his house... hoping his neighbors don't see
you cry and even though you've just been verbally abused,
punched and bruised by words of a teenage boy who thinks
video games can be personified, thinks they can hug and kiss
him and he'll marry them because who needs a teenage
girl with braces that interrupt her smile? ... you won't give up."

^ This stanza...ugh. I remember it well... it sounds kind of needy and whiny... crying because he is playing video games and not paying attention to us... but I suppose at that age, it is common...especially if it happens often, which was in my case. It was every single time. ...and it's true, you never give up...because you want, love, need him.

Yesyesyesyes! You let them use you because you want them... but after so long, you're tired of it...and you realize that you are better than that, you are stronger and deserve a man, not a boy.

Part II:

At this age, you feel like you are more mature, so your relationship will be, too. That you will finally have a man...a man who will respect and love you for who you are.

It's nice to get lavish gifts... it makes a woman feel special and wanted. You never received that before and it makes your heart flutter.

Adult fights are different than teenage fights, they are usually over something worth fighting over...and sometimes can be 10x worse... but they do come less often than a teenage fight over silly things like him not calling you at exactly 2. It's true that men usually cry too, I know mine has a few times in our fights... it shows they truly care if they show you their tears.

God, the worse thing in the world is to be a mother to your boyfriend. I've been there and it absolutely drains you to the point you almost loathe them. The little things he does like the muddy boots you mentioned... leaving the bathroom wet after showers and beard hair in the sink after he shaves, etc... they all add up and you just want to scream. After fighting, he uses money to try to please you... it works for the time being.

Second to the thirtieth chance... been there, done that. :/

He used his money to cover up all the things you really didn't like about him. You realized money can't buy happiness or love.

Oh, the ending to this part... the cheering him on for every little thing he did, whether it was a promotion at his job or he washed a load of dishes for the first time in months, you would praise him. But when you thought you deserved a cheer, a pat on the back, a congratulations... you never got it. :/ It truly makes you feel like shit.

Part III:

This is my favorite part... it shows you are a powerful woman who has learned from her mistakes and knows exactly what she wants. :)

"Society says you're lagging behind if you don't
have two children by the time you're 21"

^This reminds me of a song called "Merry Go Round" by Kasey Musgraves... I'm sure you've heard it, if not... youtube it! I'm positive you'll love it.

I'm not going to break this part down and say what I love or give any comment about it... it's just perfect and I am glad you are waiting for what you deserve. The last stanza says it all... that's what true love is all about.

<3

I love you slam poetry... its raw in your face fun stuff! This piece here has the emotional outline to a tee, your writing is very soothing as well... love it!

Oh Chelsey, I just cannot stop grinning after this girl! When you read it and I was following along listening, my arms got the shivers and my heart, you reached out and your words were something I won't forget. Reading along with your thoughts is like wanting to hold that truth closet to me now- close to the having confidence in myself and not having my heart settle for someone he wouldn't sacrifice everything for me and vice- versa. This opened my eyes so much and I cannot say anything about this piece other than it was so pure and beautiful!

You really should do the poetry slam at open mic, grab that opportunity and I know a lot of people will be nodding along with you. It's more than wisdom you give here, it's like reaching out, like I said before, and getting us to realize the meaning and depth of true love. That it doesn't give it's self-worth away or deprive itself, it's willing and purposeful and honest.

So inspired by this!!!! This reminds me of the spoken word artists on Youtube I listen to and the ones from Striver's Row. I love how you formatted it, the emphasis, the pauses, the way your words clung together and got to the summit of 'do you finally see?' The story you told is something that has a purpose....don't give up on it. What my favorite parts were when you made it specific and gave those details of him licking his fingers after he ate or those little things you noticed, maybe little quirks but afterwards you realized he focused on other things then you, in what he sees, does, speaks. That he is the ONE in control and that both of you cannot have that unity. I feel like this poem makes me now further look at the world around me- like sometimes if I see elderly couples helping each other or a single mother struggling with her child or something....it just brings perspective :) I have the fullest faith you can own that stage!

Much love! <3 Keep staying true to yourself. I really believe you are a role model in my life as a friend and poet, you're encouraging and extremely understanding of so many aspects in life I haven't even come to yet. Take care :]