Feeling, wise, mature full of insight.

Seeing the childishness of younger persons.

Feeling grown when telling them, to wait they'll change.

Being smug in the knowledge they don't have.

Feeling small, immature, frightened,

When looking through a window into the adult world.

Feeling naked defenseless, stupid.

Suddenly, sad, unsure, yet willing to try to be grown up.

SIXTEEN.

Joanna Ballard - Sept. 21, 1978