Generation Y

I was deeply involved in an anti-violence program all through college. I struggled to understand how people my age could be so cruel to others, after hearing all the stories. Everyone had such a bleak view of us at the time, and it wasn't the whole picture of what we could be.

Many of my friends chose various paths once they left home. Some of them set out to change the world, and some of them set out to find themselves. Some of them were safe, and some of them risked losing everything. It was a scary time...

Generation Y

The addict steals and cheats for one more hit of dope.

Living destitute on the streets with nothing left of hope.

Drifting lower everyday, becoming a larger mess.

Knowing it has to go away but not needing it any less.

Dinge stains the fallen walls and ash disguise the floor.

So close he stands to leaving it all, with blood no longer pure.

The lover creeps alone inside and lives in night's shadow.

The rules insist she must hide and keep the depth shallow.

Always asking in her mind if the love is real perfection

But living scared of what she'd find if she dared to ask the question.

To breath with hope she'll feel his hand and the act will make her whole.

But on guilt's ledge she'll stand to plead mercy on her soul.

The drinker lifts his glass well into the night.

Losing memories so painful of times gone not right.

Trying to erase the fear and cover all the shame.

Babbling and crying and playing another game.

He leaves and speeds too fast and his car starts to swerve.

He takes on last drink before rounding his final curve.

The loner held the corner in rooms filled with hate.

Tortured daily without cause and help's found too late.

When finally he's had enough and brings inside a gun

He takes his anger out and they fall one by one.

The last sound in his ears is another firery blast.

He'll take his final aim and become part of the past.

The thin watches intently at the newest beauty queen.

Skipping another meal on the way to her dream.

Praying to the porcelain but smiling for the crowd.

Trying for perfect and to make everyone so proud.

Late at night she lies awake and alone she weaps.

The pills though, too strong, and forever now, she sleeps.

The leader stays late to make the grade before going home.

Practicing talents for hours when finding time alone.

Helping out on Saturday with children down the street.

Walking local strays, giving hungry food to eat.

Laughing at the trials life seems to throw her way.

She takes another stride ahead and takes another day.

So many paths available for each of them today.

Choices come from everywhere as they try to make a way.

They grow and fall and rise again and laugh and they cry.

So many forks they have marking them Generation Y.