Thirteen

By HBCdance, Ann Arbor, MI

Everyone says
That thirteen is still young
But it feels ancient
Such a high number
Towering on the time line
Of my life

Everyone says
That I'm gonna love
Leaving childhood behind
But what if I loved
Being able to cry
Over a paper cut
And not knowing
About global warming
And terrorists
And algebra

Everyone says
That teenagers are criminals
But couldn't it be
That I don't want
To do drugs
Or spray-paint houses
Or traumatize toddlers
Couldn't it be
That I just want
To be me

Everyone says
That now
I'm an adult
And I'll acquire
A whole batch
Of new responsibilities
Maybe I don't need
More authority
Maybe I just need
More freedom
No strings attached

Everyone says
'Happy Birthday'
And it is happy
For now
I have nothing
To worry about
Except the number thirteen

But I will grow up
I will get older
My thirteenth will be here
And then it will be gone forever
I'll be a teenager
I'll be so happy
I won't ever regret
My birthday
Everyone says

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This article has 11 comments. Post your own!

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Mishkabear713 said...
Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:53 pm:

HANNAH!
Sorry i'm so late commenting, I was sorting though my inbox and found this! I love love love it, especially the part about no knowing. Sometimes not knowing is better. Ignorance is bliss!

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i-go-by-syd said...
Jul. 10, 2009 at 9:34 pm:

You are right we do write about a lot of the same stuff
how did you start writing

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purplemango said...
Jul. 9, 2009 at 8:08 pm:

Hannah,
I've told you many times (especially in the writing process of this poem), that it is truly gorgeous, really amazing! I don't know if I've told you this before but I'm going to say it now. A few months ago, my English teacher had a sheet we had to fill out about poetry. There was this one question, "Who is your favorite poet of all-time?". And you know who mine is? You. I answered "Hannah C is my favorite poet of all time." Because it's true. You have such a way wit... (more »)

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Sydney M. said...
Jul. 7, 2009 at 7:06 pm:

Hey girl!!!! This poem is so beautiful i want to cry. childhood will be over someday and it will be a whole new adventure. If you don't mind I want to e-mail this to my cousin on her 13 B-day.

I found this poem because you gave me the only comment on my poem lily. and thanks for the criticism.
click on my name and you can view more of my poetry.

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manyrainbows_falling said...
Feb. 21, 2009 at 10:31 pm:

Hey girl Hey!
I love it, it's so very true and well written. see you :)

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justsmile1552 said...
Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:12 pm:

Hannah thats wasa amazing!!!!! i loved it liked it the most because it is sooooo ture!!! you have to tell me if you ever post omething again!! keep in toch! <3Ena<3

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smileygrl96 said...
Feb. 19, 2009 at 8:58 pm:

Hannah this is the most awesome poem ever! Luv ya like a sis! ;{P
hehe

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Grandma Mary said...
Feb. 18, 2009 at 4:44 pm:

I am so impressed with your poems that I almost feel like crying with emotional pride! You make it seem easy, but express yourself and your innermost feelings so very well. I look forward to more of your extraordinary writing.

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trkeith said...
Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:14 am:

Oh my goodness Hannah!!! I am so proud of you!! You are so talented. I didn’t even know you liked to write poems:) Good job . . . no Great Job.

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drakieten said...
Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:49 am:

Wow Hannah! This is a wonderful poem. I feel so proud to have had you in my class way back when. You are talented in so many different ways. Keep up the great work! Ms. R

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Gaddy17 said...
Feb. 16, 2009 at 9:20 pm:

Oh my goodness! That's a Wonderful poem, Hannah! It's simple beautiful! So nice to read aloud and so moving. I just love it! Congratulations! Keep writing!! N.