Thirteen

Grass stains, bee stings,
That ever-lingering first kiss.
These are the memories of thirteen,
The years I'm glad I never missed.

Piggyback rides, Barbie dolls,
When I was little, I had them all.
Bad haircuts, puppy love,
I've experience all of the above.

Skinned knees and colourful band-aids,
Pain that was easily healed.
Disney movies, imaginary friends
That chased me around the field.

Shopping trips, horror flicks
Though comedy was a common pick.
Photobooths, local fairs,
Each had an adventure to be shared.

Rock concerts, messy bedrooms
Which drive the parents insane.
All-nighters and truth or dare,
Everyone's choice for the night's game.

Passing notes, running in the hall
Turning bright red if you trip and fall.
Forgotten combinations, bitten nails
When you wonder if you had just failed.

Best friends, hysterical laughter,
You can never ask for anything more.
New relationship or ex-boyfriend,
A jerk that you kicked out the door.

Birthday parties, favourite bands
But some of them you just can't stand.
Soap operas, school dances
Where you took all kinds of chances.

Long detentions and laps in gym,
The one subject you love to hate.
Instant messages, late night phone calls
To discuss all the gossip of the day.

No matter how rough it sometimes was,
You'll always remember just because
Those were the memories of thirteen years,
Full of smiles that are worth the tears.

©® March 2006
Ciermae B.