Turning Eleven Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Remembering days and feelings of childhood, never
forgetting how it felt to be a child, a girl in a
man's world.

Obeying parents, not ever daring to question their
authority until turning eleven, then deciding that
I no longer wanted to do certain things.

Like making tea for Dad, asserting this new indepen-
dence felt good, yet feelings of sadness touched my
heart too, realizing the child inside was growing up.