Have you ever lived my life?
Spent one minute in my shoes?
If you haven't then tell me why,
You judge me as you do.

Have you ever woken up in the morning,
Wonfering if this was your last day on Earth?
Have you ever left your house,
Unsure that you'd return?

Have you ever seen your friend get shot,
Outside his favorite store?
Have you ever seen a friend die,
From drugs he'd never used before?

Have you ever seen your mom get beat up,
By your stepdad messed on booze?
Have you ever had an unwanted pregnancy,
Forcing you to choose?

Have you ever sat beneath the stars,
Hoping God will hear?
Have you ever seen your friend drive away,
After way too many beers?

Have you ever had a friend,
Experiment with weed?
Have you ever covered up guilt,
By doing a good deed?

Have you ever considered suicide,
As the only way?
Have you ever tried to hide yourself,
Behind the things you say?

Have you ever wanted to protect,
Your friends and everyone in sight?
Have you ever felt such pain,
That you cried yourself to sleep at night?

Have you ever lived my life,
Spent one minute in my shoes?
If you haven't, then tell me why
You judge me as you do.

Tiffany Belvins.

Chicken Soup For The Teenage Soul On Tough Stuff