I started writing poetry when I was 12 years old. What could a child possibly write about at 12 years old? Well, you will find out here.

I created the category better with age so that you could see how my thoughts and poems changed throughout the years. You will see how I changed (and grew) from a child, to adolescence to adulthood. Of course, as I grew, so did my vocabulary and the things I chose to write about.

When I look back on these poems now, I realize how silly and strange some of them are. I have to take into consideration the age I was when they were written. I wanted you to be able to do this too.

As you read through my work, maybe you will be reminded of your own childhood, someone you know or a special memory you have. Maybe you will smile.

Many of the poems from my youth are dark and sad. I was often picked on. It was easy for me to be the victim of teasing and abuse from my classmates as I was short and skinny. It was difficult for me to fight back as all the other kids were so much bigger than me. My parents taught me at a young age to respect people and if I didn't have "something nice to say, don't say it at all". So, I didn't - another reason why I resorted to writing. My thoughts and feelings were saved on paper - and they weren't spoken...

As I got older, I became tired of the treatment I received. I began speaking my mind (defending myself). I also befriended others who experienced similar treatment. I STUCK UP FOR THEM.

I may have been small but I could hold my own. Those who knew me later in life probably didn't like me very much. Still to this day, I am outspoken.

My writing became less and less as I learned to "speak up". Once I opened my heart to express my feelings, I felt less desire to write things down. Now that I am getting older, I realize that some day I may not be able to remember things any more. I may not even remember that I have this gift to touch the lives of other people so I am inspired to write again.

I hope you enjoy growing with me.