The Enigma of Life | Teen Ink

The Enigma of Life

March 17, 2016
By sklipman SILVER, Harrison, New York
sklipman SILVER, Harrison, New York
5 articles 1 photo 0 comments

I am five -

With both arms I send the box flying above my head
Millions of pieces
I’ve never tried this puzzle
Each piece seems like its own boulder
I can only imagine how big it will be when I’m done
It will take me a long time
I might need some help-
But the puzzle pieces seem impossible to conquer 

 

I am nine -
With arms out stretched
I envelop the biggest piece of my puzzle so far
It’s beautiful
It smells of pine
It’s filled with happiness
I have never loved anything more
I will relish in this piece, and cherish it
Even when I have to leave it aside-
Because the puzzle pieces seem impossible to conquer

 

I am fifteen -
With my both my hands I text away
My eyes dart to the familiar pieces
Unfinished
I cannot find my beloved piece
Frantically searching
All I uncover are frayed, monotone masses
I want to finish the puzzle
But there’s no one here to help me -
And the puzzle pieces seem impossible to conquer


The author's comments:

This coming of age poem depicts the struggles and celebrations of growing up. As time progresses in our lives, it is human nature to feel alone and through writing, I hope to capture the juxtaposition of a carefree child versus an inundated adolescent. The puzzle overall symbolizes life itself and at each point in our lives, the different ways we handle it. With each piece, of course there is growth, but there is also hardships, which cause us to rely on other people for assistance.


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BethL said...
on Mar. 30 2016 at 9:30 am
Incredibly moving piece and mature realization. Thank you for sharing.