Fourteen years old
Confusing age,
Feeling inadequate
Trapped in a cage.
Tugging the bars,
Trying to get through,
Kicking and screaming
But nothing will do.

Am I such an animal to be kept in a cage?
You say you don't like the way I've changed,
Curse my name.
I helped you through your hour of need
And you've done the same.
We've suffered so much pain.

You expect so much,
I'm only young.
I don't want to be an adult!
It can't be done.

Mind spinning round
Smashing the ground,
Yet thoughts all trapped,
Silently sound.

But, when I am older
I'll tell you how I feel.
What I believe, think,
Tell you what is real.
What habits you have that drive me up the wall.

You can tell me,
I can't answer back at all.

WHY?

Just because you're old don't make you mature.
We all do stupid things,
You've done many, I'm sure.

I laugh, cry, emotions spiralling high.
I am changing, I have changed.
But I know I'm speaking the truth,
I'm not ashamed.

I am who I am,
And you're wrong, you'll see!
When I'm let out of this cage, to wander free.

(Gemma was 14 when this was written, she's now 17)