How?

Wow, very haunting chris but so true! I love:

'How does a smile; a lighthouse in any storm
and a beacon that offsets life’s gloom,
become a snarling fire atop floundering rocks
that seeks to wreck the vessel and reduce
to shattered flotsam?'

Magic xxx

How indeed. Used to be called growing pains but these days we know it as a teen's raging hormones. still, can't be easy for any parent.

This is a good one, mate. The first stanza is a beauty but the whole piece works well.

excellent work. good structure and syntax. the second stanza stands out. is this what i have to look forward to?

jason

Thanks Magic, I think this is what they call a 'rough patch'; my head is spinning and my heart is broken but still waiting for light at tunnel ending.

Hi D. Some day I will attempt to write a book on parenting - the teenage years! ;) I would still get it wrong though. That's the trouble, there is no magic wand and we're all so bloody individual; all with different 'blue prints'. Thanks mate!

Hi Jason. This is not nescessarily what you have to look forward to. I've got seven; all completely different and owners of their own complexities. You just do the best you can, keep the head and pray for bright tomorrows ;) Thanks!

The third stanza is my favorite, but the whole piece is amazing and effective. I adore your poetry, dear Chris, and my work is very much influenced by it; but this, unlike most forms of art, is so honest and true, reflecting some of the evils in this world.

I often find that whenever I want to write a poem about one specific thing, an emotion or an observation, it expands or develops into something completely different, as if the poem had a will of its own. I guess what defines a true poet is the ability to accept that.

Your poems always seem to have a mind of their own and I find that inspiring.

Nathan.

This is really good! Love the third stanza, bit haunting, but good. I think you've described the combat well (hope this makes sense).

BUT, in our defence: we teenagers really can't help it all that much, surely you can remember how confusing and staccato those feelings use to be?

-Lynze x

I know exactly what you mean Lynze. The fact that I was young and no better doesn't make it any easier. I suppose, if I am honest, I like to think that I was better; I guess that's what being older does for you. My dad used to say; 'It's a circle son, you will replace me and someone will replace you - and only then, will you know what I mean.' Sad but true! Thanks for reading and don't worry; like I have iterated before...'Love will out in the end!' It's a temporary situation ;

XX

Thanks so much Nathan for your views and kind words. You were one of the first to welcome me to ABCtales and have consistently given me the confidence to continue. Thank you so much for always seeming to be there when a boost was needed; much appreciated.

Chris ;)