Across the expanse of sand she sees them
All skin and squeals and feigned confidence
Furtively she glances up
Takes in their long hair, the skimpy swimsuits
Tries not to tug at her t-shirt and board shorts
Tucks a strand of her bob behind her ear
Turns back to the sand and the sea
One teen glances her way, and waves absently
Like saying goodbye, then rejoins the circle
Splashing teal water, adjusting a red bikini top
She raises a hand in blank reply, then squats in the sand
Eyes burning, she drags her hand along the edge of the water
Feeling the surf pull the sand flat under her hand
She stands and walks away along the shore
The divide much further than thirty feet of sand
Feeling the group at her back
Feeling her difference
Unready to cross the chasm
The gulf deep between eleven and fourteen
~slw ’13
God has given you such a beautiful talent to see, and then put into words, feelings we not only remember in our own lives, but our children, and grandchildren. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much June!
Sue, You know young people, after working with them for years. Your poem is perfectly explored with this age group. I can see the action and the feeling in your writing.
I am trying to remember the things they say, what is important to them and what are their thoughts as I write my middle grade novel. That age between 11 and 14 is crucial growing up time. What middle grade fiction do you recommend, even though you work with older teens?
Hi Beth!
11-14 year-olds encompass a HUGE developmental divide. Some are reading books like Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants, while others are reading Austen and Bronte. I tend to read across the lot. I love Lois Lowry, E. Lockhart, Rick Riordian, Avi, R.J. Palacio among others. Hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words!