Do You Bring Gifts to a Sweet Sixteen?

Do you bring gifts to a sweet sixteen?

No!

I’m not trying to be cheap,

just low on cash.

Does it need to be expensive?

Well,

Dad’s company just went under,

and Mom’s super stressed.

Can I write a card and call it done?

Put some money in?

Is $4 enough?

I just watched my friends step inside…

Maybe I’ll leave.

There’s always another sweet.

I can try again then.

Better luck next time.

My hair’s barely done anyway,

and my dress has a hole,

no one was really around to help

I could avoid the embarrassment fully.

But the funny thing,

about sweet sixteens

is the community of it all.

See,

you bring a gift,

and you’re golden.

Show up empty handed

…

My mailbox’s been empty

for a few weeks now.

No more invites

better for my wallet.