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        First published in Great Britain as a softback original in 2023  Copyright © Tolu’ A. Akinyemi The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.  Cover Design: Buzz Designz   Published by ‘The Roaring Lion Newcastle’  ISBN: 978-1-913636-30-2  eISBN: 978-1-913636-31-9   Email:  [email protected]  [email protected]  Website:  www.toluakinyemi.com  www.tolutoludo.com      ALSO, BY Tolu’ A. Akinyemi from The Roaring Lion Newcastle’  “Dead Lions Don't Roar” (A collection of Poetic Wisdom for the Discerning, Series 1)  “Unravel your Hidden Gems” (A collection of inspirational and motivational essays)  “Dead Dogs Don’t Bark” (A collection of Poetic Wisdom for the Discerning, Series 2)  “Dead Cats Don’t Meow” (A collection of Poetic Wisdom for the Discerning, Series 3)  “Never Play Games with the Devil” (A collection of poems) “A Booktiful Love” (A collection of poems)  “Inferno of Silence” (A collection of short stories) “Black ≠ Inferior” (A collection of poems)  “Never Marry A Writer” (A collection of poems)  “Everybody Don Kolomental” (A collection of poems) “I Wear Self-Confidence Like a Second Skin” (Children’s literature) “I am Not a Troublemaker” (Children’s literature) “Born in Lockdown” (A collection of poems)  “A god in a Human Body” (A collection of poems) “If You Have To Be Anything, Be Kind” (Children’s literature) “City of Lost Memories” (A collection of poems)  “Awaken Your Inner Lion” (A collection of essays) “On The Train To Hell” (A collection of poems)               Dedication To every young person out there, always remember: ‘you need more than dreams, to make your dreams come true.’  Acknowledgements  Sincere appreciation to God Almighty for the wisdom to write yet another book – I’m indeed grateful, and do not take this ability for granted.  A big thank you to my booktiful partner, Olabisi, for always being there to listen to my writings in their raw form and provide invaluable feedback.  To my wonderful children, Isaac and Abigail Akinyemi – thanks for your support and believing that I am the best poet alive.   Sincere thanks to my wonderful parents, Gabriel and Temidayo Akinyemi, for your endless and immeasurable support in my literary journey.  To my editors, Jen Campbell and Diane Donovan – thank you for being a vital part of this booktiful journey.  Thank you to the editors of the following magazines, who gave the following poems their first home: Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice first appeared in The Agape Review; and No Room for Racism and Empathy first appeared in Lion and Lilac.  To everyone who has supported me on my journey to literary acclaim – your support is greatly appreciated.      Contents  PART 1  Best of My Youth Teenage Fantasies Peer Pressure Young Thinker Magic Cycle of Life Perfect Teen Not Too Young Self-Love Speak Out Guard Your Body Vulnerable I Vulnerable II Soar and Roar Greys Role Models Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice False Dreams Map Left it All Unburden Great Works Ideas Teenage Crush Note to My Younger Self Social Media Changemaker Youthful Desires Education No Future Ambition Teenage Fantasy Comparison Empathy A Deal With Demons You Need More Than Dreams (I) You Need More Than Dreams (II) Big Picture Best Version Original Inferiority Complex Battle with my Fears Gang Wars Sixteen and Extinct Rage Anthem Prayer Pick Futility Vestiges of Crime The Angel of the North  PART 2  Thoughts Out of Context No Room for Racism An Ode to a Lost Friendship Feminists Paperweight Author’s Note Author’s Bio              Poems                  PART 1 Best of My Youth   The best of my youth was a rollercoaster  of emotions. There were nights when the stars aligned and I  bloomed into a sparkle. On others, I became a shadow.  The best of my youth was an exhilarating  adventure. I lost my virginity at the flip of a coin— the memory that night just a blur. The remembrance of it: both sore and haunting.   The best of my youth was spent  wiping out  labels.  I wasn’t my father’s mirror image nor the caricature of my mother.   The best of my youth was spent  breaking free  from a life that wasn’t mine   and resisting the norms that so wanted to  cage me.    Teenage Fantasies  My teenage fantasies are driving  my mother into a rage.   Her tantrums hit the right spots, swerving me into a myriad of emotions.  She says I’m too young to be with a boy  who is still being tended to like a puppy.  The words responsibility, Peer Pressure  My peers are feeling young and wild. Their teenage hormones  spread like wildfire  across the neighbourhood.   My father is growing iron fists and Mother’s  watchful eyes  are as clear as daylight.  They say that they are saving me  from drowning in an ocean of teenage