"Teenagers these days"

You shape us

physically and mentally

emotionally and metaphorically

you make fun of us

for finding the flaws

the sketchy parts

in your systems

saying

teenagers these days

when we strike out against what we don't agree with.

You say that we're

emotionally unstable

that we're having mood swings

well, maybe that's just how we are?

Maybe

we're not like you

maybe I don't think the exact same way you do

maybe you could give us a chance?

We're not allowed to have feelings

to have opinions

preferences

ideas

because when we get upset

you say

teenagers these days

when we run off to hide in our rooms

so you don't see us crying

you say

teenagers these days

you were one

you were a teenager once

you should have at least some sympathy for us

for me

for all of the pressure society sends us through

for all of the judgmental looks adults give us like we're up to no good

sure, some kids are, but not me!

You don't have to look down on me

you could be a little nicer -

actually, a lot nicer would be great, but that's never going to happen -

instead of rolling your eyes

and saying

teenagers these days