Glitter tears streak my daughter’s face.
She stares out at the night sky
as I watch through the crack in the door
remembering how I did the same
at thirteen.
How I dreamt of escape.
How I felt that pull of freedom.
How it couldn’t come quickly enough.
And I swore that I would not be my mother.
And I swore my child would have no need for rebellion.
Wouldn’t feel misunderstood
or unwanted.
I stare as long as it takes for her to stop crying
and curl into a ball.
The mascara I told her she was too young for
slides down her face and stains the pillowcase.
She’ll wash it and pretend it didn’t happen.
And I’ll pretend not to know how fragile my tough-girl is.
After she has fallen asleep
I see the same little girl
I tucked in and kissed goodnight
and I wonder if she still dreams of fairies.
Author notes
Although I don't yet have children, I wanted to write something from a mother's perspective. I think we all fight with our parents and feel miserable at 13- it's just part of being 13.
Written June 2nd, 2005
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peaceful
This one feels cinematic. Night time scenes always play as movies in my mind. It's very nice. I'm not sure why, perhaps because at heart I don't ever feel too far removed from my teen years. But the pain of adolescence sweetly told gives me peace. -
great write! i totally agree that is from a mothers perspective and you really captured that o so wonderful age of 13 when all the drama kinda just crashes in and drowns you. i liked the emotion you showed on both the girl and the mother. you really captured both perspectives like watchin a movie. awsome imagery. always keep writing *kat~~~
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I think this write is wonderful, you found a way to put great imagery, the trickling black tear, being a father of a 4 yr old boy I can relate to the feeling of your thoughts, having to be a parent instead of a babysitter or sibiling is rough sometimes when they dont understand why you say no lol. I enjoyed it.
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I just know what it's like to be a 13-year-old girl.
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wow its like you know me lol my mom said no to mascara i went to my dad so i now wear mascara great write good luck
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This was very good and very insightful for someone with no children. I have two teenage boys and I have made my share of mistakes as well as watched my friends make mistakes rasing their teens. The biggest point of advice I can give to a parent is to be a parent and not try to be a friend to your children. They need and respect the authority if you are consistant and not militant in your decisions.
Keep writing.
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