17 Years

I am 17 years old and I have raised two children

 and mourned the loss of another.

I am 17 years old and I am only interested in a

relationship that will end in marriage.

I am 17 years old and I feel too old

to drink, smoke, or party.

I am 17 years old and I can cook a three

course meal for eight people.

I am 17 years old and I can balance a checkbook

and live within a budget.

I am 17 years old and I know what it is like

to go without so others may be full.

I am 17 years old and I know how to run

a household and multitask.

I am 17 years old and I have no hope

 for the future of our nation.

I am 17 years old and I was forced

 to grow up too quickly.

I am 17 years old and

I am of the broken generation.