I Can’t
I can't do it anymore.
I can't lie to you and tell you that tests don't matter when
Everything we say and do depends on the score
And we track all the data
And every moment of your life is a test.
You don't get a participation trophy
And people are always watching but rarely helping
And you don't get unlimited time to reach your dreams
And a little stress is good for you
And what you do with the time limit matters
And pretending that it doesn't or that the world will just let you be
Is not what I want for you, either.
I can't have visions of a better world
And daydreams of the future with you and
Hope
That you bring every day with your
Pebbles in your pockets and your
Made-up words,
Your million wonderful questions
And your view of the world as so black and white
But not the people in it...
I can't let myself soar with you because
I am a grown-up
And I know
That most of those longings will never be
And I wonder if it's fair to you to pretend that they will
If we’ll both just be disappointed,
When I'm holding on to the balloons right along with you
But my feet still touch the ground
And I wonder how long I can keep the air pulling upward for you, just for you.
I can't tell you to be brave
But then run and hide from the world when the light goes out
I want you to feel empowered
But if he has a gun then go behind the bookshelf and be very quiet and still
In the dark and don’t cry,
Make sure you stay inside
Where it's safe.
Don't be a bystander,
And stand up to bullies
And make your strong voice echo from the mountaintops when you're a grown-up
And please be powerful and beautiful and smart and good as a grown-up,
Especially good,
But don't let the monsters come and eat you before you get there,
So for now let's just keep this between us
And be a little scared.
