After a while
In this public school system,
I've started to notice a trend.
A common goal.

Everyone in this school is fighting,
Having a war.
And at first it may see unclear
Of what they're fighting for.

Love?
Popularity?
Friends?

All of the above.
The war is of
Attention.

It seems the only way to get attention
Is to push and kick and shout.
Make rude comments about one another,
Isn't that how attention comes about?

I've never been bullied,
But I have been hurt.
And after a while,
I notice a common core

If these people,
Begging for attention,
Go around
Pushing and kicking and shouting,
Then it shouldn't make a difference
Of who they're pushing and kicking and shouting at.

Does it feel like they mean it?
They might.
But if they do the same things to other people, too
Even their friends,
Why should it matter to you?

It's a war of attention.
A war of "Can't someone just notice me?"
And it's really sad to think about.

I'm also fighting in this war of attention.
But just because I'm fighting a battle,
Doesn't mean I suddenly become one.