Baby Sister (You've Got Time)

Like Juliana Hatfield, I don't have a sister, but if I had a young sister, this is what I'd say if she got drawn into the tween scene...

My baby sister, she’s only thirteen
She wants to be a tween beauty queen
Get her hair done and a body wax
Pants that say juicy and a top to match
She even wants to go under the knife
It's me, or is something wrong with that

Tell me if I'm wrong, am I blind, what can't I see
I think something has gone awry with our society
We're growing them before their time
Picking unripe fruit and hoping it comes out fine
These are not the days where life was fleeting and short
There's time for them to grow, there's still time

Baby sister wants to be the one they dream of
Baby sister wants to be that fashion plate like the girls on TV
Baby sister wants to grow before her time
And I can't understand how this came to pass these days
Could it be the images blasted on the screen
Could it be the music soaring out the industry speakers
Could it be that mom and dad have let go of the wheel
Baby sister, why do you want to be this way
Please don't grow before your time

What the hell are we doing to the little girls today
This was never meant to be the reaction to revolution
This is not empowerment like those that profit say
This is sinister tricks that fashion and pictures play
Playing to society perverse vices and niche needs
Just because it's legal doesn't make it right

Baby sister, I'm begging you please
Don't listen to their talk about wearing pants that say tease
Don't fall for their call for you to look like air brushed pop princesses
Don't try to be like the photo-shopped models you see
Beauty can never be found with the slice of a knife
You must first grow inside and the rest will follow
Please don't grow before your time
Baby sister please, you have better things to do with your life
I still have to believe you're better than that

Author's Note

I think that what we are doing today to young girls is simply horrible. We are teaching them that all that matters is this superficial world. We're pushing clothing lines and make-up that objectifies them. There is something absolutely wrong with a "tween" wearing something that says "juicy" or "tease." I'm all for free expression, but at the same time, that just plain wrong. We're dolling them up, making them age before their time. This is not empowerment, it the darkness that lies with industry trying to control trends. We need to let children be just that, children. This is not the day where we're dead by 30, our life span is long, one big reason why 18 is barely an adult. I think we need to get our heads checked when we're allowing girls to get full spa days with a body wax (yes you read that right, this was on the news today and sparked the poem.) What happened to enjoying the days of our youth?!?!

Reviews

[Carole]

WOW! WOW! Are you a speaker? I could almost see you being an activist for subjects such as this. You exude an authority and power, I haven't seen in some time. It's all over your poem, and even your author's note...This ought to be blasted from the mountain tops on a P. A. System. You are right on, and your author's note only adds to it. Maybe you should consider writing a book on this sort of thing? I totally agree with your point of view. I don't think going to the spa is necessarily going to ruin them, and having a pedicure or manicure...That's just girly, but I totally and completely agree with growing them up before their time with makeup and what they are being allowed to wear. It's sad.

Your poem came across loud and clear, and for the most part, I agree Blake-I am glad you addressed something as important as this. WELL DONE! When is your speaking engagement? :-) YOU GO!!!!