In A World In Which Ideals Are Not Respected Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It is difficult being a teenager.
With pimples everywhere,
Showing to exist.
And those hormones racing,
Inside a body with a mind...
Trying to define the meaning,
Of abstinence.

'I'm not suppose to what?
Indulge?
Or engage in self satisfaction?
Of any kind?
You joking...
Right?
I hear that in my ears.
But you tell that to this body of mine! '

So difficult it has to be...
To know of contradictions.
And pretend them not to see.
Or told to be honest with integrity.
And...
Well,
Hardly any of that existing.
At least any known or shown to believe.

Yes...
It is difficult to grow and mature,
In a world in which ideals are not respected.
And dreams seem worthless to keep.
With few adults anywhere proving...
That accountability maintained,
Is connected to one's identity and self esteem.