To be popular
Perfect
And pretty
Why do so many people
Develop eating disorders
Trying to fit the look
Why are we measured
By our grades
And not by our accomplishments
And efforts
Why are we thought of
As lazy
Self absorbed
And reckless
Why are we pushed to the side
Why do so many people
Stay silent
And embarrassed
Talking about periods
Which are normal
Why do we never say it
In front of a boy
Why are boys and girls
Expected to fit inside
The gender box
Why do they have to be
Treated differently
Why do girls have to be pretty
And guys have to be strong
Why do there have to be
Stupid steryotypes
Why does no one seem to see
Our Earth is dying
Why are people discriminated
Because of their skin color
And judged unfairly
Why can’t you like
Who you like and not
Be ashamed
Why do so many people
Feel alone
When they have so many friends
Why do so many people
Stay silent
When they’re hurting
And hurting themselves
Why do so many people
Think no one understands
Why are so many people lonely
Why does there have to be so much
Pressure
For meeting others expectations
Why do some have to struggle alone
Why
Why can't there be space
To be yourself
And be heard
Without the world stabbing your back
Why can't you just be you
Why cant you be brave
And talk to someone people never talk to
Everyone thinks they’re alone
But they’re not
But
Why are we silent
-- Evie G., 6th-8th Grade
-- Evie G., 6th-8th Grade