Sixteen

Sixteen

is the handsome boy

that feels like an

ugly duckling.

Sixteen

is wise remarks

that make me laugh

even though I restrain myself.

Sixteen is dark humor 

mixed with silly undertones.

It's tousled curls in his hair

when it was always lank.

Sixteen is a world

I want to step into

as I sink into a marsh.

I try to remember

my sixteen,

my youth,

my insecurities,

and struggle 

to mirror his uncharted sea.

Sixteen is loving

in small gestures,

it's late nights,

boundless energy,

it's heavy and light.

Sixteen

is sinking into a computer screen

for endless hours,

talking to friends

while saying nothing

of importance.

Sixteen

resides in a room 

that resembles a dungeon.

The only beacon are keepsakes

buried in the closet and chest

of drawers.

He is witty like Stephen Colbert

and funny like Jon Stewart

not that I would compare him to either.

He is unique,

this sixteen unparalleled 

to any other.

This is his path to walk on,

and mine to follow from a distance

with unconditional love.