these people
the people i observe
sometimes stare at
   in disbelief
going through the motions
trying to do what's expected
not daring to cross that line
just doing
   acting
     behaving as
because that's what's expected
                                    of them
i think it's pathetic
   sad
     weak

me
i cross lines
   behave badly
     make enemies
stand isolated
   but solid
in what i believe
   friends?
i have enough
   enemies?
probably too many
   sleepless nights?
definitely too many
and yes
i get lonely
   yes
i get scared
   yes
i question myself
   always
but i won't settle
i won't disengage myself
                       from myself
to be one of
them
to be accepted
by the whole of

this is me
this is what i am
and i'm not afraid to show it
i'm not afraid to shove it into someone's face

i won't perform
just to show
i can fit in
just to show
i am normal

        no
i'll continue to be disliked
i'll continue to be shunned
because exceptional
is way better
than conventional.