Submitted by : Hadiyah Jacqueline on Youth

It is said that by living you learn from life’s great lessons
But so far none of what I’ve learnt is fair
Everything I try to do right
I get insulted for my efforts

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to be considerate
Respectful to myself and others around me
If I said ‘Please’ or ‘May I?’ or ‘Thank you’
I was laughed at for being old-fashioned

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to be modest
Trying to keep myself mine; and mine alone
But if I didn’t flaunt myself in low-cut t-shirts and mini-shorts
I was called oppressed and ugly

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to be responsible
Trying to keep someone from being foolish
If I didn’t join in and act stupidly
I was teased for being a chicken and a coward

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to shape my future
Trying to get the most out of life
If I stayed home to study or did well in class
I was bullied for being a ‘nerd’ and a ‘know-it-all’

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to be kind
By helping the dyslectic kid at school
If I explained something to her, or told her an elusive answer
I was abandoned by my friends for being a ‘softie’

It didn’t seem to matter that I was trying to be merciful
Forgiving to those who had offended me
If I smiled kindly and told someone ‘not to worry about it’
I was met with sarcasm, mockery and scorn

It doesn’t seem to matter what I ever do
Society dictates otherwise
Kindness, mercy, modesty and true friendship don’t exist
In its place rule peer pressure, popularity and anarchy