You’re Sixteen (dup. post)

(voice recording: https://goo.gl/5BxUKO)

**duplicate post, since some folks couldn't see it in the Spoken Word portal**

a sonnet corona in iambic pentameter

My child, look around. This is your time.

Your journey to adulthood has begun

but not alone - I’ll help you walk that line.

In my poor darkened world, you are the sun.

Slow down a bit and look for warning signs.

Sometimes in life you’ll need to walk not run,

but never stop. Keep moving all the time

and never hesitate to have some fun.

I’ve tried, as you have grown, to teach you things

and always be a member of your team;

Believe in flight, then boldly spread your wings.

Your childhood’s gone by faster than it seems,

but when they’re cut, love, know I’ll keep the strings.

Have faith, sweet girl, and go after your dreams.

***

Have faith, sweet girl, and go after your dreams.

Sometimes the best defense is to attack,

and oft times you’ll be paddling hard upstream.

When that’s the case, let nothing hold you back.

That love’s a mystery is well known fact.

Remember human hearts are not machines,

And broken hearts are actually still intact

So never let anyone steal your gleam.

Try not to let regret invade your soul -

A bigger waste of time you’ll never know.

If life throws you a curve, just tuck and roll.

You’ll have my love no matter where you go,

So don’t be scared to chase what’s in your soul,

If your muse calls to you, you must follow.

***

If your muse calls to you, you must follow.

There is no greater joy than letting art,

In one form or another through you flow;

It opens hidden places in your heart.

Your money is a tool, and not the prize,

So never sell your soul for wealth my love.

Remember words can cut someone to size

And send a daily prayer to God above.

Your character, in honesty shines through.

Please never be afraid to speak your mind

But know that sometimes silence is the truth.

One day, quite soon, you’ll look around and find

That time has flown right by you in your youth

My child, look around. This is your time.

(I love you Jazzmyn, Dad)

(c) 2017 - dustygrein