Love Poem: On Turning Sixteen
Jeff Eklund Avatar
Written by: Jeff Eklund

On Turning Sixteen

On Turning Sixteen

At sixteen seconds you cried
And so did I 

At sixteen minutes 
I held you and you held me
by the heart

At sixteen hours 
We were heading home
and our family now 
numbered four

At sixteen days 
Our family was conflicted
Our little man now had a
problem; daddy had another 
child in his life …

At sixteen weeks things 
Were getting crazy
Long nights, loud nights
Son and daughter now
Starting to find companionship 
Comforting. 

At sixteen months
little sister stare,
her hero brother.
Steps becoming strong and sure
Beautiful golden-brown hair
The skin, the smile on waking,
Umber eyes

At sixteen years
Driver’s license
Self-assurance, doubt
Edge of womanhood
Brother and sister BFF
Fleeting childhood
Undying love
Happy Birthday


To Ceci from Dad on her 16th birthday (7/01). Much Love.