Long day at school. Class after class, lecture after lecture. Asked a question you knew the answer to, but don't want to get it wrong. No, more like, don't want to stand out. Go to school, get a job, get married, have children and retire... that's the only path to happiness, right? Someone broke down on the side of the road “Don't stop, just keep driving. Someone else will stop.” Just pass someone less fortunate and pretend they don’t exist. Place a candle on the table and light it with your stress.

“Stop reading every label on the food packages, you’re too thin.”

“You want to be healthy? We’re all going to die anyway.”

“Stop playing with the dolls son.”

“You can’t wear a tie to the dance, you’re a fucking girl!”

“You’re a psychologist? C’mon they fix made up shit.”

“Just one sip, it’s not going to hurt you.”

“If you don’t like my rules, then get out of my house!”

Looked in the mirror to see your parent’s faces. “Be like mom” or “Be like dad” danced through your thoughts as you walk out of your house and the shadows ask you questions. “Where do you see yourself in five years? You want to make a lot of money. Money makes the world go round. Money money money money.” Their fish lips smack up and down, but it’s not polite if you make a sound. Speaking freely has become a crime and expressing uniqueness will pin you as an outcast. “Witch! Witch! You’re an egotistical bitch!” they would chant if your beliefs weren’t congruent.

“Video games are going to kill all of your brain cells.”

“Only trashy people get tattoos.”

“Singing isn’t a career, that’s just a hobby.”

“I have a lot more followers on Twitter and Instagram than you. People must like me more.”

“You work for me, I can pay you whatever I want.”

“Everyone who isn’t white lives off the system.”

“Your weight defines your worth.”

“Wearing that outfit, you asked to be raped.”

“Animals don’t have feelings like you and me.”

“Everyone will settle for average.”

It might be tough to get out of the quicksand. But stay calm, don’t panic, and you can go live peacefully. What do you want to do? Forget staying inside the lines. You’re not one-dimensional, your essence is more refined. Don’t feed the snakes your fears, your secrets, and all of your mistakes. Fly over the smoke and keep your dignity safe.