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All I Need Is a Friend This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. This work has won the Teen Ink contest in its category.


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Books fill up my room.
Not baseball cards,
or pictures of girls,
or basketballs.
Maybe a blown up picture of …
… Pam Anderson might help.

Black-framed glasses
and a white,
pale,
lanky
body.
I should start working out.

At least I can read.
I read four books a day last summer.
The librarian,
80-year-old Mrs. Woodsworth,
she knows my middle name.
If only I had a real friend.
I am sick of seeing her old,
bony,
pale body.
Although it resembles mine.

The kids at school laugh.
Is it the way I dress?
Lacoste,
Ralph Lauren,
La Tigre.
I’ve tried every designer out there.
Staying in the house really saves me money.
My stupid rich parents give me $50 a week for lunch.
$50 times 36 weeks …
what is that?
$1,000,
$2,000,
$10,000?
I should probably know.
Straight A’s 12 years in a row
and counting.

With all of this,
or none of this –
it depends how you look at it –
all I need is a friend.

This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.

This work has won the Teen Ink contest in its category. This piece won the February 2009 Teen Ink Poetry Contest.




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KgirlThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 14 at 9:11 pm:
This is a really amazing poem!  I definitely sympathize with the speaker.  You're really good.
 
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Johnny K. said...
May 12 at 4:08 pm:

I can feel what you are really saying and when I read it, it is touchy.

Nice piece of writing.

The lonliness have been described and have been explored nicely

Keep on writing ^^

 

 
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CrystalAngelDolThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 11 at 5:27 pm:
very nice, it kind of resembles me too, btw do ur parents really give u 50 a week?!?
 
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katinthehatThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 11 at 1:01 pm:
werd up! really good job! keep writing.
 
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pagan.daughter.911This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 11 at 11:30 am:
i love this, please continue writing
 
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Grace R. said...
May 10 at 3:01 pm:
I like this, it shows your emotion and really captures how many teens feel. Perfection in my eyes :)
 
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curlygurlrayThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 9 at 12:05 pm:
i liked it. it captures the mind of a true teenager(: good job
 
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curlygurlrayThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 9 at 12:05 pm:
i liked it. it captures the mind of a true teenager(: good job
 
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kaidroThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 7 at 10:42 am:

This poem was very well done! I like how it talks about how he just wants a friend. I noticed something in your poem, there was one rhyme...

The ryhme was know and row. I also noticed that since both words were at the end of the sentence it is also a consonance.

 

I like this poem a lot!!

:) Awsome job!! :)

 
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caylajoanThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
May 3 at 9:05 am:
i thought this poem was really well written. It was creative and makes me think that thats actually what you were thinking when you wrote it, word for word, thought for thought. keep on writing, i really love your work.
 
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Bailey98 said...
May 2 at 7:55 am:
I really enjoyed this powerful poem. The rhythm of the poem made it flow, and i also really liked the figurative language mentioned throughout the story.
 
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calmoo said...
May 1 at 2:24 pm:
I like how you made your poem more than a sonnet because the length made people understand your poem more. I like your cliches. I also like how you put this poem on here because a lot of other people feel that way too. You have written an excellent poem.
 
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Maileece_Johnson said...
Apr. 27 at 11:29 am:
Amazing work.. i know exactly how you feel. I think that it is wonderful that you had the guts to put this on here great job :)
 
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DoraNguyen said...
Apr. 27 at 9:44 am:
really like this peom. HOw brave that you would write this out.(:
 
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life.is.charmingThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 24 at 4:20 pm:
so honest and i think any body can relate to this.. i love that you are courageous enough to share these intimate feelings with the world. you are so talented!
 
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sweettThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 20 at 11:45 pm:
Seeing that this has been said 1241 times but this is really well. I love it its beautiful! Excellent Job!!!
 
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Ashlea0813 said...
Apr. 19 at 1:25 pm:
Really like this. :)
 
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Grace S. This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 19 at 1:21 pm:
I really liked this, you manage to emphazise the feelings of lonlieness absolutley perfectly. Even though i do not know you, i can sympathize for you. I loved it :P
 
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teamo14This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 19 at 9:57 am:
This is amazing!
 
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Agasaya said...
Apr. 19 at 9:16 am:
There are many people who go through this sort of thing daily. I see the humor in this, but in my opinion, the main point is how lonely you can get when you are one in a million. If you truely have this sort of life, I empathize with you. For I, too, find it hard to find friends. Again, if this is a true representation of your day-to-day life, you will find a friend worthy of your greatness one day, if you haven't already.
 
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SexyCobraKiller said...
Apr. 19 at 8:29 am:
I liked it. It really emphasizes how easy it is to get so caught up in unnecessary stuff trying to be cool. Also it is funny. I laughed about the librarians because I think librarians are HILARIOUS. It is easy to relate to, too. Everybody in the world needs a friend sometimes. 
 
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ninerThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 18 at 3:01 pm:
i really like this :)
 
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realbeautifulheartThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 15 at 8:29 pm:
This is kind of funny. I'll be your friend! LOL :)
 
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KrystalTThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 15 at 11:57 am:
I feel like I can relate to what your saying.
 
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ClaireM. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
Apr. 14 at 10:34 pm:

LOVE it. =D

Fitting in is not all it's cracked up to be.  Here's to those who stand out...

 
realbeautifulheartThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. replied...
Apr. 15 at 8:30 pm :
- Clinks glasses with you - 
 
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WonderlandDreamsThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 10 at 3:16 pm:
Loved ths poem, I understand where your comming from, i dont have tons and tons of friend, like most of my school. And I am labled a freak because of how I dress. Im laughed at tripped down the hall, just like in all those stupied corny movies. Most of my free time and study halls, I spend reading or tpying on my laptop. My books are overflowing unto my floor. I know it sounds strange but if you ever need a friend you can talk to me (that sounds creepy XDD) but rememeber you not a... (more »)
 
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AlliterationAceThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 9 at 6:23 pm:
I have to agree about what you are describing, except for the rich parents... Anyway thank you for letting me know that I have people who can relate to me.
 
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Moee1This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Apr. 8 at 1:34 pm:
This is really beautiful 
 
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Mayz_ said...
Apr. 1 at 7:26 am:
So many boys and girls can relate to this poem! <3 
 
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Kathryn123 said...
Mar. 30 at 9:33 pm:

Just a suggestion, but what if you cut the line "although it resembles me" and let the reader make that connection?

Also, in your last stanza, how would it read if you moved the first dash to before "or none of this"?

just some ideas to play around with....

 
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TinyclawThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 30 at 6:30 pm:
I drew a picture based on this poem! Love it!
 
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Anonymous 1337 said...
Mar. 29 at 8:19 am:
i like this poems not a fan rating 9
 
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Anonymous 1337 said...
Mar. 29 at 8:16 am:
well i like it not a fan for poems but i like so tumbs up rating 9
 
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I_aint_JulietThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 28 at 8:23 pm:
Can I be your friend? That was beautiful! You have such a wonderful talent! Please keep writing!
 
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SElahiThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 28 at 8:21 pm:
So much power packed into so few words; keep up the good work!
 
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ashleydarlingThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
Mar. 28 at 7:43 pm:
This is powerfully simple and simply powerful. Please know you're not alone. <3
 
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PeNfReAk10This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 28 at 7:02 pm:
This is a very...INTERESTING poem. I think it's pretty good, but, for me? I'm just not feelin' it, dude. Sorry. But keep writing!
 
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thatgirl27 said...
Mar. 28 at 6:35 pm:
I'll be your friend! :D
 
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StylinBlackHat said...
Mar. 28 at 3:30 pm:
The picture was traced, just saying. Cute poem all the same.
 
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pen4peace said...
Mar. 28 at 8:28 am:
this poem very much...so simple yet so impressive...teens nowadays just really needs understandings and FRIENDS... 
 
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RavenneThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 28 at 2:54 am:
I loved it! Very powerful, yet simple. The descriptions of the troubled teen are straight forwards yet very personal and moving. The simple plea for friendship is nothing unfamiliar, yet stirring in its simplicity. I loved hoe the speaker describes himself and his life, along with his comments about the ways he tries or considers to try so he could get himself a friend. The speaker’s lack of understanding that it is most likely the unaccepting environment in which he lives that is to blame... (more »)
 
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saranova_92This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 26 at 4:07 pm:

Definitely something many of us can relate to . . .you can have so many things but without friends it seems so lonely. And it's hard to find a good friend who just appreciates you for who you are, imperfections, quirks,and all. Who loves you for what's inside...

Your use of concrete imagery is so personal and relatable . . .for me a poem is good when it causes me to feel what the poet feels - so awesome job! Keep writing and don't let others put you down because your love of words make... (more »)

 
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ImJustAGuyThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 26 at 12:25 am:
this is great and i can relate so much too it!  keep up the lovely writing!  pleaseee check out some of my work, im a new and upcoming poet !
 
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Kapoodle101This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 21 at 4:47 pm:
This is very good, it's short and sweet and right to the point.  I think its true, people judge on appereances, and not what's on the inside.  VERY GOOD!
 
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reman5This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 21 at 3:03 pm:
trully one of the best pieces I have ever read. it isn't too fancy in words, and still doesn't fall short in length or description. just... so deep and expressive with feelings. wonderful, great work honestly.
 
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falling-rainThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 21 at 10:24 am:
this is really good:) i think somehow all of us need a friend.. :) great job, keep it up and check out my work!:)
 
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TheCaptainObvious said...
Mar. 17 at 7:17 pm:
not bad not bad
 
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ImJustAGuyThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Mar. 17 at 1:13 pm:
please check out my writing, im a new and upcoming poet
 
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tazhpointo said...
Mar. 17 at 1:37 am:
This was really provacative, the flow was like a raw and honest thought process and that makes it truly unique.  The whole thing gave me the impression of a long sigh.... And a little advice, if I may be so bold, maybe you have to be the kind of friend you are looking for...if your ideal friend would reach out their hand, maybe you should reach out to someone, and they might surprise you with the gift of friendship... its just a thought, you dont have to follow my advice, its just what your... (more »)
 
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