I'm a 17 year old girl from Brooklyn.

When I tell people that I don't say it with a smile.

Instead I frown.

I look down at the ground that I walk on everyday

in Brooklyn

I fear for my generation

They stay with these fake imitations of what a perfect life should be.

Stereotyping every

living

walking

breathing

creature and beast.

Why should I smile ?

When the "Brothers" that are my neighbors are walking around

Playing a knock-out game

Disgracing other peoples loved ones with a firm punch in the face

and then they LAUGH.

Why should I smile?

When the people my age, 

I'm supposed to consider as "friends"

Point the finger at the wrong of a female that didn't even want her body to be exposed online

Why should I smile?

When making money the "Fast" way 

Now for these young women and men

Is making money the RIGHT way.

Why should I SMILE?

when theres children in middle school

Talking about SEX,DRUGS, and MONEY

Believing thats what life is all about

REALLY why should i smile?

WHY should I SMILE?

When pointing out the obvious

When clearly stating the truth of my generation

When being genuinely NICE  

is a mean gesture

I'm too ashamed to smile.

So i wonder if can ever smile and be proud

of saying: 

I'm a 17 year old girl from Brooklyn !