Zoë

O Zoë, all of sixteen years How sweet it is to see your fears. Your first job now, still an adolescent This time of life the days are pleasant. Like a coracle, I see you tossed around Landlubber at sea, nervous at every sound. But your course is open to any agitation Not bound like a supertanker's navigation. New knowledge about your body and mind Tinted by hormones' evolutionary bind. Ahead of you, paths and decisions Many kisses, and love's revisions. Dear Zoë, my advice is this Be yourself. Smile. Mistakes record, not miss. Remember happiness, sadness, the good and fools With diary, pictures and memory's tools. Treasure these days - because for many They're shorter, blunter, cheap as a penny. Rolling bidis in some dark shed Or down a mine, and nearly dead. Zoë, for you, life's just beginning Despite jealousy, shyness, hurt - it's there for living. So much to learn; the clock soon chimes And you'll look back, reminiscing times.