Omar L Rashed

It's Been Surreal Omar L Rashed

"Life's not fair!" So says every teen ever. And it's true.

"All's fair in love and war." Growing up (with or without love) is the greatest war. Ever.

This poetic memoir describes the second chapter of the formation of a beautiful mind - of getting through the craziest, least fair, most tumultuous era of life.

Looking back, with teen angst and voice, and occasional adult wisdom, I share and describe how I felt growing up. If you've ever heard a teen speak and wanted to say "It's a phase" but bit your tongue, pass them this, instead. Because, this is the voice, the experience, and the reality of a teen.

It's been surreal, growing up. Particularly for those born in or after the Millennial Generation (1980 forward, AKA Peacocks). The boundary between real life, TV, and video games shrank to the finest line ever for this generation. And now, each one after it.

Can't understand them? Delve into the mind of one as it's dissected in poetic form.

Each of the following poems represents a snapshot - a vivid point that played a pivotal role in my battles with adulthood.

"Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." Seriously. Literally. Here's a story of surviving teendom.