They tell us to be unique
but how can we be
when all around us we see
no one wanting to seek
their individuality.

“Be yourself” others say,
as if it’s so easy
to be who you are when
our heroes want to be someone other than
them.

“Don’t be afraid,” we are told
by teachers and family, young and old.
They say that even as they
change themselves and speak
these lies they don’t believe; lies that are even
to treason.

“Say what you think,”
but when you do all you receive is a slow blink,
people saying to watch your mouth,
be nice like we’re little kids on the playground.

People preach to us to “stand out”
as if we won’t be told to sit down,
as if people won’t glare at us with a frown.
Stand out? Try blend in because in this world,
those who are different are beaten down
by those who fit in.