i go to school these days & i'm scared i'll get shot

earbuds always in, trying to drown out my thoughts

fall to the ground, let it all float away

look me in the eyes & i'll believe every lie you say

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger

never have your wallet visible

don't listen to music in public

everyone's a stranger

you're our child; don't scare us.

i always have been, ever since the label of

"gifted" was mantled above my head in neon letters, 

proudly displaying me to a world where

mediocrity was rejected &