Dr. Rivera's Special Publication
At the age of 16, while still a junior at Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, Guam, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, formerly Matilda M. Naputi, wrote an anthology of poems titled, Teen-Age Pros and Cons, published in 1990 by Carlton Press, Inc. in New York. She has received numerous awards, including the Governor's Arts Award and Legislative Resolutions, for her anthology publication and various inspirational poems published in other professional poetry publications. Dr. Rivera firmly believes that optimism will get you far, and it is her mission to foster an outlet of motivation for those who lack such. Below you will find a list of poems that her anthology contains and excerpts from this special collection. Enjoy!
Teen-Age Pros and Cons
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Teachers
Girlfriends
Boyfriends
School Breaks
Awards
Classmates
School Supplies
Nerds
Lockers
Comedians
Principals
Jocks
Cheerleaders
Shy People
Gangs
Lunch
Hairstyles
Dances
Prep Rallies
Games
Break
Clubs
Prom
Meetings
Holidays
Headaches
Contests
Reading
Grades
Exams
Homework
Arithmetic
Writing
Computers
Tests
Detention
Library
Honorary Associations
Teens are different everywhere,
And it is apparent here and there.
Some prepare for the future,
Making their life an adventure.
Some sit back and let things happen,
When opportunities may appear then.
Some are lasting comedians,
Through all types of seasons.
Some are those who do not avail,
And rather let themselves fail.
Some are those who care,
To take the initiative to share.
But no matter what, throughout the ages,
Teens are different in many stages.
和atilda M. Naputi
Parents really do care,
Though they may seem unfair.
They support our living,
With the food and shelter they're providing.
They put some order in our life,
So that we can avoid later strife.
Home is where preparation should begin,
To bring one's personality out from within.
Parents are our role models,
Just like history prevails.
和atilda M. Naputi
Friends are those who care,
And those who are always there.
They will not let you down,
Because they just can't stand your frown.
They are those who bring laughter,
And make life an adventure.
Honesty plays an important part,
Between friends right from the start.
Problems will never ruin your life,
Because friends will conquer your strife.
Friends are those we love a ton,
Because they can always be counted on.
和atilda M. Naputi
Fashion is a teen-age thing,
And popularity is what it'll bring.
It's a phase teens go through,
Because no one wants to be uncool.
But realize that it's just a phase,
When teens go through a fashion craze.
You mustn't feel that you're not cool,
Just because others call you a fool.
Little do they realize that they're the fools,
That followed along with the silly rules.
和atilda M. Naputi
Homework is given to test,
Whether we've listened our best.
It's a form of practice,
That will greatly help us.
Likewise it's a form of drill,
Which will improve our skill.
In the future we'll eventually see,
That homework does help you and me.
So do your homework and try,
To not give a quick sigh.
和atilda M. Naputi
School is meant to benefit us,
So we shouldn't fuss.
This is because education is the key,
To live in this world of technology.
If we didn't know how to read,
Our life will not happily proceed.
And if we didn't know math,
Many would dare to laugh.
Remember that school is what we need,
So that we may be able to succeed.