Teen Poetry Collections

Dear Dad

by a young woman, age 16

I just thought you should know
that I’m strong without you.
I’m strong as a young tree,
New leaves grow out of my branches.
I just thought you should know
that you hurt me ’cause you’re not here.
You’re here, but you don’t act like it.
You have too many kids.
I want you to spend time with me,
But you think money will buy my love.
When I think of you I think of money.
You are an old money tree.
Money all over the tree.
With girls hanging over the branches.
Your bark is hard and mean and old.
I just thought you should know
what I’ve been through.
Since the last time I saw you I have grown
’Cause my mom helped me.
But both parents should be there to help you grow.
My mom taught me to never depend on a man
Because of you.
Basically you are an example.
You are not reliable.
My mom is a strong, independent,
beautiful, reliable, caring, all-the-good-stuff kind of tree.
Even though you try to buy my love
My mom will always be my mom
’Cause she’s actually here taking care of me.