Realities of a teenager

A song we shared without a name Different voices sang the same We compare for warmth or spite For comfort gained or judging right Teen years blur in mixed-up days Once bright, then lost in harsh displays Advice arrives as shouted fear From parents strained by what they hear You hide the weight to keep them safe Your mind pays costs you cannot waive At school you say you're sorry first While friends exploit a fragile thirst A slide begins, a darkened pull From quiet hurt to rising bull Bad crowds make easy exits gleam Till nowhere's left but broken dream It starts with smoke or petty crime And time steals choice a bit each time When pressure says you don't belong Remember home still waits you strong Change starts within; it shifts the day I'm here to talk—please choose to stay