Sometimes, I forget that you are simply a teen,

Yearning to break free from control, desiring to be seen.

Sometimes, I overlook that you are simply a teen,

Seeking independence with a slick tongue that can be nasty and mean.

Sometimes, I recognize that you now are a teen,

Approaching a big world you do not understand yet, living in the in-between.

Sometimes, I am painfully reminded that you are a teen,

Growing up in a society that exists behind a screen.

Sometimes, I forget that you are simply a teen,

Obsessed with makeup, Snapchat, and Tik-Tok — everything trendy/pristine.

Sometimes, I ignore that you are simply a teen,

Expecting wisdom and maturity, I do try not to intervene.

Sometimes, I realize that you are now a teen,

Full of innocence and optimism — not yet needing caffeine.

Sometimes, I am heartbroken that you are now a teen,

Only two years left until you turn eighteen.

Sometimes, I pridefully watch my teen,

Responsible, structured, organized, and clean.

Sometimes, I panic that you are now a teen,

Terrified for you to learn life’s lessons alone when you are so green.

Sometimes, I am fearful that you are now a teen,

Excited and terrified for your unforeseen.

Sometimes, I love that you are now a teen,

Sharing products, clothes, stories, and vanilla bean!

Sometimes, I smile in awe of my teen,

She is smart and beautiful, the best of each gene.

I have never been more proud that she is my teen,

Forever my little girl, but growing into such a QUEEN!

~AM