They tell us at five that we are a rocket ship, a Cape Canaveral of potential
They teach us all the rights, so we pledge our allegiance
But they passed an act that would strip me of my freedoms
So that now they can send any message that I have no right to amend
So that as long as they don’t lay a finger, my soul they can bend, crush, bend
I, as a seventeen-year-old girl
Should not be taught that silence and obedience
Makes me more pleasant
He, as a seventeen-year-old boy should not be told that what he feels is invalid
She, as a young woman, should not be made to feel like a freak
Unable to speak for herself
He, as a young man should not be taught that freedom is in power
We, should not be stifled as young adults if we want to dress to express
I was told as a twelve-year-old pre boob era
That my shoulders exposed could impose on a boy’s education
Mine was not of the same value
My friend had punches and words thrown in his face like iron cannons
They said he was allowed one hit versus three monster’s strong arms
In a brawl for being a “gay boy”
Whether their accusations be true or false, it does not matter
What matters is that school is of no value
My friend stopped for a hoodie
Nearly arrested for “walking while black”
He didn’t even have his hoodie up
But his mocha brown skin was enough to say
He was “the one”
I guess what they say about high school, school in general is true
It’s society’s microcosm