Teen-age Years

Who is my daughter?

Who is my son?

Am I not acquainted

With either one?

They're part of  their father

And part of me

But I can't describe

The part I can't see.

How do I fathom

The feelings inside

The hidden emotions

That change as the tide?

How do I guide them

And show them the way

To search for the truth

So elusive today -----

That they may discern

The bad from the good

In their struggle to grow

And to be understood

They are no longer children

Nor are they adults

They cannot foresee

The final results.

They'll be different tomorrow

Than they are today ---

Conflicting emotions

Make them this way

They need patience and time

Understanding and love

To help them achieve

What they're capable of

They're fighting a battle

That's raging within

Sometimes they lose

Sometimes they win

As they strive to conquer

Temptations and fears

And the problems, so endless

Through these teen-age years

Help me stand by them

To help if I can

So they may emerge -----

As woman and man.

Pearl E. Cain