To learn the way of the street,

Keep to yourself what you wear,

Especially that which you have on your feet,

And act the part, though you don’t have to be, of the bear…

Show no fear,

For others will upon you prey,

Especially if you are within, gay,

Don’t let others see that part,

Do this right from the very start…

Yes, it’s painful to grow up this way,

But less painful than hiding it away,

I wish I did live in a life where my only worry was,

To miss the occasional school day,

But I live out on the streets,

My body, for chicken hawks, on constant display…