Messy in the Middle
Congratulations to the HBW Class of 2018! Thank you to Ms. McNeal for inspiring me to write this poem, which she shared at the ceremony today. Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash Messy in the Middle It’s messy in the middle. You’re not grown up but you’re not little. You’re still a kid, but not a baby. Life in the middle can feel crazy. Mom and Dad don’t seem so cool. The teachers are cringey at your school. Grownups saying, “When I was a kid…” Then some long story about what they did. And sometimes it’s all too much The projects, the sports, the rush. And there’s a friend that you’re not sure Is really your friend any more. When Mom and Dad ask you all the time It’s easier to say you’re fine. It’s so messy in the middle. You’re not grown up, but you’re not little. Taking selfies and making silly faces Trying to smile to hide your braces Wishing for days when life was simple And your skin was free of pimples.