The Box
The idea that people aren’t the same
Seems to be something our minds cannot frame
Young people want to “fit in” and “be cool”
But is that really how we’re getting through school?
Kids are stifled, trapped in this cookie cutter
Our unique abilities tossed down the gutter
Too scared to show who we really are
But tell me, will that truly get us so far?
It seems we’re being trained to fit into a box
The way we all walk, the way everyone talks
Moves alike, identical syllabic flow
But what is it that we’re trying to show?
That we’re all able to be one and the same?
To follow societal rules in the avoidance of shame?
The alternative isn’t so bad, it turns out
Just showing the world what you’re all about
Where is the problem in that, I ask?
It it really too scary not to stay behind this mask?
The truth is that we all need to be brave
‘Cause it’s only ourselves we’re trying to save
And in doing that we give everything up
In the interest of fitting in the lineup
And then we’re not really saving ourselves
We’re losing the truth into which we must delve
Because really, what’s possibly better than you?
Showing what’s undeniably, absolutely true?
No matter if you don’t fit the standard
Go out and be your own commander
The ideals of conformity do not apply
To yourself, and here is the reason why:
We don’t all want to be the same
If we are then what status can we attain?
As one who went the way they all did?
Who did nothing but what was expected?
That I don’t think is the way to live life
Trapped in a world of self-doubt and strife
Even if being different is scary
It’s easier than being so cautionary
Eventually that status won’t last
Because there is nothing within one’s grasp
That allows a break in the structure and pattern
Forever stuck, oneself being shattered
It’s always better to be unorthodox
Than to let yourself be put in this perfect square box
The idea that people aren’t the same
Seems to be something our minds cannot frame
Young people want to “fit in” and “be cool”
But is that really how we’re getting through school?
Kids are stifled, trapped in this cookie cutter
Our unique abilities tossed down the gutter
Too scared to show who we really are
But tell me, will that truly get us so far?
It seems we’re being trained to fit into a box
The way we all walk, the way everyone talks
Moves alike, identical syllabic flow
But what is it that we’re trying to show?
That we’re all able to be one and the same?
To follow societal rules in the avoidance of shame?
The alternative isn’t so bad, it turns out
Just showing the world what you’re all about
Where is the problem in that, I ask?
It it really too scary not to stay behind this mask?
The truth is that we all need to be brave
‘Cause it’s only ourselves we’re trying to save
And in doing that we give everything up
In the interest of fitting in the lineup
And then we’re not really saving ourselves
We’re losing the truth into which we must delve
Because really, what’s possibly better than you?
Showing what’s undeniably, absolutely true?
No matter if you don’t fit the standard
Go out and be your own commander
The ideals of conformity do not apply
To yourself, and here is the reason why:
We don’t all want to be the same
If we are then what status can we attain?
As one who went the way they all did?
Who did nothing but what was expected?
That I don’t think is the way to live life
Trapped in a world of self-doubt and strife
Even if being different is scary
It’s easier than being so cautionary
Eventually that status won’t last
Because there is nothing within one’s grasp
That allows a break in the structure and pattern
Forever stuck, oneself being shattered
It’s always better to be unorthodox
Than to let yourself be put in this perfect square box
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Layjmo
Sep 30, 2018
This poem is a statement about modern adolescents.