what if i told you that i’m not a stereotype.
that i do what i’m told and try to act right.
and all the words you hear me say
don’t add up to what i’m like.
and what i’m like is an inspiration
trying to as you would say overstep my generation.
and i don’t cry because i’m sad
i cry because you think i’m broken.
like those who came before me made a name for me,
but what your eyes can’t see is that i’m more than what i’m meant to be a stereotype,
walking around like the courageous type.
small as a mouse brave as a lion type
, but no. what you call disrespectful i call the first amendment.
but when i walk into a room they judge by my past
like i’m just a problem they have yet to get rid of
and at last i get the words out that i needed to say.
but why do i feel empty inside without your approval,
without the letters o and k,
because it’s not about you
it’s about what God wants me to be
and if i could scream loud and proud i would scream “i can be me”
wait, you think i’m done i’m just getting started
because the love you think you gave to me
was the love that was parted into three
kindness goodness and, opportunity?
opportunity being the hand you know someone needs
now parents that doesn't mean you can beat it into me.
you say “use your words” but use your hands as a punishment
as if a smack on the **** will bring back their common sense
and that child you confuse will grow up just like me
a talented kid who everyone says should admit to defeat
but what defeated me?
the words you forgot to speak?
or the fact that judge and jury won’t let me tell my story
and I've picked up some good ones over the years
like that time when i had all the answer but you chose to close your ears
because i’m just that young
so thank you world for showing me what “generational curse” really means
it’s not about your family
it’s about the generation God said you were required to be.
and the heads that turn when they see
you’re just another kid who wants to be
something that they’re not
like extraordinary intelligent or
just plain respectful
because what you call disrespect we call the first amendment
so i thank you past for paving my future
and i thank you parents for believing you are
the kings and queens of YOUR generation
but we were left behind in a cloud of the following
drugs, violence girls getting pregnant
guys who don’t know how to act
and that’s just the start of it
but that’s not us see
the ones you give so much trouble are the ones who are meant to be
something more than what you see on the streets
but wait.
why do you even think that could be me?
so i know you've been waiting for it
so one more question and i want you to think
“why am i judged for the challenges God gave me”
we've all failed one or two
so really there is no difference between me and you