To celebrate National Storytelling Week this week one of our staff members has written a poem, capturing what it is like being a teenager in care.
I may be a teenager
But I’m a child within
I have things to tell you
But don’t know where to begin
So I shout and swear
Sometimes I lash out
It’s because I can’t say
What my hurt is all about
I always put my hood up
You think I wanna look tough
It’s because I’ve been crying
I’ve just had enough
I keep making mistakes
Always seem to get it wrong
I’m so confused right now
I wish I could be strong
And there you always stand
No matter what I do
Even when I’m running
You let me come back to you
when I’ve been self harming
Yor not angry, you’re always there
Somehow you are different
I think it’s because you care
And When I’m really anxious
And can’t get up off the floor
You just sit and hold me
You never turn and shut the door
So what I’m saying is
I’m a teenager but a child within
Please don’t kick me out
I need you to keep me in
I think I’m starting to trust
I feel I’m gonna talk
And because I know you’ve got me
Can we go out for that walk
That was scary but I said it
Now I can begin to rest
Cus I’m living with a foster carer
They really are the best