Through the Eyes of a Teen

By Sofia Baktidy

Stories have brought people together for thousands of years. For writers, the process they go through as they create allows them to express their thoughts and opinions. For sixteen-year-old Sofia Baktidy, poetry is her form of expression. It is a way for her to try and understand the things taking place around her. Writing poems allows Sofia to have her own voice in a world where not everyone has such opportunity.

Through the Eyes of a Teen is her debuta collection of intelligent, emotive poems, followed by prose that puts each poem in context, allowing readers a better understanding. Many of the poems deal with current events that have in some way affected Sofia, like The Dream, which shows a deep understanding of conflict and human suffering. Ode to a Passing Day connects a workday and World War I with wisdom well beyond her sixteen years.

Poetry has allowed Sofia to try and explain her fascination, appreciation, and frustration with the world around her. Today, many problems surround us. Although we may not be able to fix them all, we need to record everything that is happening, both the good and bad, to try to prevent a reoccurrence of negative events. Heres to a brighter future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546229742

Sofia Baktidy

Sofia Baktidy is a sixteen-year-old junior at Manhasset High School. She currently lives at home with her parents, brother, sister, and her dog, Teddy. She enjoys traveling, skiing, music and learning foreign languages.

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© 2018 Sofia Baktidy. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/28/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2975-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2974-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018902097

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Through the Eyes of a Teen

Ode to a Passing Day

The Dream

The Middle

The Power of Wind

Spring

The Girl

And I Cried

Why?

A New Dimension

Juliet’s Other Lament

The Forgotten

Before My Eyes Could See

Children of a Lesser God

Choices

Clouds and Rainbows

Dreams of the Young, Regrets of the Old

Inner Me

CONCLUSION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Introduction

Poetry is a way of expressing oneself. For me, it is a way to try to understand my thoughts, on everything that is taking place around me. Writing poems allows me to have my own voice, in a world where not everyone has this opportunity. Sharing them, allows me to use these thoughts and ideas to try to inspire others to make a difference.

Growing up in New York, in the twenty-first century, has affected my outlook on life. The diversity that surrounds me allows me to experience different cultures without straying too far from home.

Throughout history, people have often used songs and stories as forms of expression. Poetry is merely another way of storytelling. Dr. Seuss is well-known for his witty children’s books, but not many people know that he started his career as a political cartoonist. In fact, when looking at his books, sometimes alternative meanings can be seen. For example, in his book, The Lorax, we can compare the plot of the story to deforestation and the effects pollution has on the environment.

While growing up, I viewed books, and anything that required reading, to be a joke. I mean, why would people want to read books if they could just watch the movie? At the same time, I enjoyed writing little rhymes with my dad and sister. I enjoyed the time that we spent together. It became almost like a little ritual between the three us. Below is an example of one of those poems. My sister and I would come up with the ideas, then Dad would arrange the words.

The princess rides the unicorn

In a world far, far away.

Where castles shine with glitter fine,

And the princess plays all day.

This land is one where dreams come true,

And anything you want is given.

Where candy canes and soda pop

And more is what’s for dinner.

Where games are played instead of school,

And bedtime’s only if you’re tired.

Where chores are done by flying pigs,

It’s a world of answered desires.

Dancing fairies all around

To show us what to do,

The games we play,

The toys we have

Are fun for me and you.

But now I hear a sound or two,

And awoken I must be.

For the princess rides the unicorn

Only in my dreams.

As I have grown older, I now understand the importance of written pieces of work. Stories have brought people together for thousands of years, and for writers, the process they go through every time they write something allows them to express their thoughts and opinions.

Ultimately, I think my main point here is trying to emphasize the importance of writing, not only to me,