What does it mean
To be a teen?
At sixteen one may smoke
But may not buy
This means to die,
Which some may say is a joke.
One may not star in films obscene
Until the age of eighteen,
Though sex at sixteen is OK
With a guy
Where the difference in years
Will bring tears
To a parents eyes.
Such is the law in the UK today.
—
In the UK it is legal to smoke at sixteen but illegal to sell or gift tobacco products to anyone aged under eighteen.
Until 2003 it was permissible for those aged sixteen to feature in pornographic material. While the age of sexual consent remains at sixteen, the age at which teenagers may legally appear in pornographic films etc is set at eighteen. It is, however perfectly legal for a man (or woman) in their eighties to have sexual relations with a person aged sixteen.
Some may agree with Mr Bumble that “the law is an ass”.
K Morris - Poet 
Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
Many thanks for sharing.
nice poetry! There’s all kinds of mixed messages to teens with laws like that it seems
Many thanks for your comment. Yes there certainly are all kinds of mixed messages to teens. In the UK those aged sixteen and seventeen are still classified as children as regards certain activities and as adults in respect of others. The age of criminal responsibility is set at ten which some may also consider an oddity.