Trauma of a teenage life

I use to be a teenager once
quite a few years ago
escaping browbeats in the halls
dodging the insults they would throw
to hurt you with their insults
was their greatest intention
hiding the tears that stung my eyes
was my only contravention
there were always the nasty girls
that would snicker as you went by
I would hold my head up higher
willing myself not to cry

Did they think they were funny
or just trying to fit in
wearing their fashionable clothing
a popularity contest , would they win

Then there was your best friend
that you thought would always be true
tell her all your secrets
never thinking she'd betray you
tittle -tattling before all
stories of your life
ending a treasured friendship
causing a tearful strife
your best friend is a backstabber
leaving you battered and torn
depressed , sad and lonely
wishing you'd never been born

Does she know she hurt you
does she even care
did she know your friendship
was something genuine and rare

Then there is your first love
you think he cares about you so much
making you believe he loves you
it's only your breast he wants to touch
saying he got to 3rd base
expands the truth into a mile
snickering with his friends
words so disgustingly vile
you tear him into pieces
but he only laughs in your face
memories of teenage years
that even time can not erase

Did you think he loved you
or just trying to get it on
now your feeling horrible
sad , depressed and withdrawn

Teenagers have a hard life
most adults don't understand
confused , depressed and lonely
barely hanging on by a strand
Many turn to alcohol
some even turn to pot
but in our adult lives
we don't give their life a thought
some turn to self hurt
cutting their skin
with a silver blade
but to be a teenager again
my life I would not trade

I know cause I went through it
all the torture and the pain
the breaking of my heart
the breakdown of emotional strain
next time you see a teenager
who needs a helping hand
don't take it as self pity
but stop and take a stand
stand up to the bully
be a shoulder when they are down
don't be that selfish person
who turns their smiles into a frown

Believe what they will tell you
don't try and act all witty
when they say they want to slit their wrists
many are not just looking for self pity