The Unfortunate Death of Teenage Rebellion
by krstaten
I want to dye my hair the color Fearless,
the ocean waves cresting on my scalp.
Black deep enough to drown in on the waterlines
of my eyes. Fishnet skin up my arms
and down my legs, chains like weapons
draped across apostasy thighs. Hands
made of brass bones, collar bones made
of knives, mouth full of daggers.
I want to dye my hair the color
Fuck the System, the color
Pissing Off my Parents, the color
Who the Hell Was I Ten Years Ago–
the color Naive Enough to Be Unafraid,
arson’s handiwork blue-tipped on my scalp.
Black top pavement hot enough to burn
under feet that still don’t know better,
bleeding into lungs young enough
to still hold a measure of the old song.
Wow! This is bitingly good. That line “naive enough to be unafraid” is one whose concept I’ve applied to myself over and over (in retrospect) over the years. What you have stated is so true. This is a wonderful poem. I’m just curious about what measure of what song??? Must be a revolutionary one.
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I was actually blasting a bunch of pop-punk songs I used to love as a teenager while writing this, the kind of songs that are all about fighting back against something that used to fuel the rebellion in me, that sometimes I feel like I’ve lost as an adult. The song I’m referring to is more a genre really, I suppose!
Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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I always ask one too many questions..I knew it was not necessary to name a specific song as you got your idea across perfectly. The song I was hearing was the “Internationale.” I am so pleased to have found your blog.
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I figure it was worth answering the question since I was actually listening to music when I wrote this. I’m not familiar with that song, but I may have to give it a listen sometime!
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It is the international communist anthem–a call to revolution.
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Ah, I didn’t know that! Thank you. I learned something today!
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Reblogged this on lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown and commented:
This poem by K R Staten is shockingly good! See if you agree and if you do, tell her so. My link should direct you to her blog.
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