Ode to a Poor Little Rich Girl | Teen Ink

Ode to a Poor Little Rich Girl

August 16, 2016
By jfrank SILVER, Rochester Hills, Michigan
jfrank SILVER, Rochester Hills, Michigan
5 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Your mansion came first. When They learned you were coming,
They made to fix you up as They would the plumbing.
When the folks all get green and the gossip starts humming,
You know you’ve produced a fine “it girl.”

In the decadent world of white fans and grey plaid,
They’ll send you to ragers, assuming you’re glad
The occasional handsy fraternity lad
Thinks you look like a promising “it girl.”

If boys cross the tracks to fool round at your place
And the topic comes up of the family disgrace,
They’ll rub your possessions and wealth in your face
If you don’t raise your nose like an “it girl.”

When your eighteenth year comes, just to make it complete,
They’ll talk about surgery like it’s a treat.
You won’t find the tumors; your babies won’t eat,
But you’ll go to your bed like an “it girl.”

You know that They’re hoping for sniveling awe
When They tell you to show off your whole repertoire.
The next time They ask, it’ll be the last straw
And you’ll crack and throw fits like an “it girl.”

But if it’s your cage that you truly despise,
Then you will not persuade it with whimpers and sighs.
If you hop off the wagon and open your eyes
Then you’ll hold up your head like an “it girl.”


The author's comments:

This piece expresses my frustration and disgust with rich families who treat their women as property. Since time immemorial, greedy, controlling snobs have been refusing their daughters independence, happiness, and even health in their frantic need to impress the populace. I'm sure such girls will relate. Indeed, I think anyone who's watched Titanic, The Notebook, or even The Gilmore Girls will understand and feel a pang.


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This article has 4 comments.


jfrank SILVER said...
on Sep. 10 2016 at 12:50 am
jfrank SILVER, Rochester Hills, Michigan
5 articles 0 photos 3 comments
I really appreciate your support. Many thanks.

on Sep. 1 2016 at 9:17 pm
laurengenevieve BRONZE, Huntington, New York
4 articles 0 photos 11 comments
You captured this unfortunate truth in society so well. Incredible writing!

jfrank SILVER said...
on Aug. 27 2016 at 4:18 pm
jfrank SILVER, Rochester Hills, Michigan
5 articles 0 photos 3 comments
Thank you for writing, your encouragement means a great deal.

on Aug. 22 2016 at 12:34 pm
Linh_makings BRONZE, Nashville, Tennessee
1 article 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
"If New York is the City That Never Sleeps, then Los Angeles is the City That's Always Passed Out on the Couch." -Paul Beatty, in The Sellout

jfrank, I really enjoyed reading your ode, and I thought it presented a strong and powerful story. Keep at it!