"I am I"
by Erick Pierce



The morning sunshine brightens,
Beckoning me to rise.
I light a smoke, throw on some clothes,
But much to their surprise...

It's not Calvin Klein, or is it The Gap.
Go figure.
Nor is it Mr. Racist himself,
Tommy "Hate-A-Nigger".

Societies Standards tell me what to do.
I see this as unfair.
How can i support a racist's
Designer clothes wear?

You tell me this, they tell me that.
Who am I supposed to be?
To and from, back and forth.
Why can't I be me?

The dew on the grass melts in front of me,
As I walk gracefully down the road.
People stop, stare, and point.
With a grin, "He's weird" I am told.

I have long, bleached hair,
With piercings to tote.
Most people don't really know me,
But they all expect me to wear a black trench coat.

Cultural Standards tell me how to act.
I see this as unfair.
I'm supposed to be an angst-ridden teen.
I am not, am I rare?

They tell me this, you tell me that.
Who am I supposed to be?
Back and forth, to and from.
Why can't I be me?

I wait patiently at the bus stop,
Glared apon by bypassers, it's quite sad.
"Metallica" in my cd player,
This is not your typical "Fad".

N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, one hit wonders.
They are more then a plenty.
If I listen to what I like,
It seems people quickly resent me.

The media tells me to whom to listen.
I see this as unfair.
I'm supposed to like to 98 Degrees.
Berated for not, I've had my share.

You tell me this, they tell me that.
Who am I supposed to be?
To and from, back and forth.
Why can't I be me?

Night comes, the bus home is here.
Eager to converse, I chat with a few.
It's funny how the outcasts of life,
Are most common to accept you.

Day after day, I live like this.
Naysayers the least of my care.
Friendship and love I look forward to.
When I get home, I know it'll be there.

You tell me to be myself.
I see this as true.
You tell me it'll be okay.
I trust you, you're amoung the few.

They tell me this, you tell me that.
I know who I am supposed to be.
Back and forth, to and from.
I'll just be me.

For all you're love and support,
You make me want to cry.
They ask who I am?
Simple: I am I.