Let Me Live

Let me cut my own hair.
If it looks horrible,
let me learn not to touch scissors and that hair grows back.

Let me spend my money.
If the shirt's too little and the store doesn't give refunds,
let me learn to save my cash.

Let me kiss a boy.
If he thinks it's just a fling and I get my heart broken,
let me learn that some boys are just that way.

Let me flunk my test.
If I fail the class and miss the honour roll list,
let me learn to study more.

Let me miss the shot.
If my team loses and I'm on the bench,
let me learn to concentrate on the basket.

Let me go out past curfew.
If I get grounded and miss that big party this weekend,
let me learn to follow the rules.

But most important, let me live.
If I learn a lesson,
you've done your part.



Jennifer Danley [Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul lV]