Teenage Turmoil Poem by David Francis Carter

You're fifteen nearly sixteen but still a child to me

Even though you're now a young man and want some independency

I'm your Dad and that means that you live here by my rules

They exist to protect you and not meant to be cruel
'I want you home at 7 O'clock', you needn't shake your head

'Cause you're studying for your exams Son and you need to get to bed
You can say I hate you and say that I don't care

But it's your teenage hormones talking
I know, 'cause I've been there

I'm your Dad and love you, more than you will know

I realise life's frustrating but sometimes that's the way life goes

It seems to you your little brother gets the better deal

But there'll come a time when he will feel exactly what you feel

Remember 'cause you're older you get to do things he can't do

And that leads to lots of problems between him and you

I know you don't believe it but he does love his big bro

Looks up to you as a role model and wants to be like you, you know

You've grown into a fine young man
A credit, not a fail

And though you're heir to the family throne,
You're not yet the Alpha male!
I won't be here forever so enjoy me while you can

You may not know it yet but I'm your number one fan

I can ride the storm of your emotions

Through your confusion of love and hate

And in the end you'll see that all I've ever tried to be

Is a good Dad and your mate.