Parent's heart and a teen's mind

To be there at every stage of her child's teen
was the beat in a mother's heart
To be left free to experience adolescence
was the thought in a teen's mind

To be part of all excitement and be humorous

was the beat in a father's heart
To not get embarrassed in front of friends

was the thought in a teen's mind

Her child to participate in sports without injury
was the beat in a mother's heart
To play in all games & win a championship

was the thought in a teen's mind

His child to learn philosophy and politics of life
was the beat in a father's heart
To receive minimal help to clear the next exam

was the thought in a teen's mind

Her child to be a much better version of her
was the beat in a mother's heart
To own a personality and be the difference
was the thought in a teen's mind

His child to be social and active in real world

was the beat in a father's heart

To be liked by a million followers in virtual world

was the thought in a teen's mind

Her child to look pretty at the school farewell

was the beat in a mother's heart
To be with friends and be seen in all group photos

was the thought in a teen's mind

To learn from their mistakes and collaborate better

was the beat in their distressed hearts
To let go and take the first step forward
was the unspoken thought in all of their minds

To be given another chance with their teenager

was the beat in both parent's hearts
To become free and live a no frills dream

was the only thought in a teen's mind.

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© Balaji Palanidurai

Dedicating this to my daughter who is going through her teens and to my son who will be stepping into his teen soon!