Lay it straight

Something I wrote to my students

You see, I'm tryna make a difference, make a change
tryna help you find a way to rearrange.
This world is mixed-up, outta balance, on the verge,
we gotta push it in this moment to converge.
Make it better, make it matter, let it hurt
you see, I'm only tryna tell you what I've learned.
Life is real, life is hard, and life comes large
but you know you're the only one can be in charge.
There ain't no shame in tryna play by it the rules
the world needs you, so prove you got the tools.
So what if your glue doesn't hold together mine?
Does it matter in the end if we don't rhyme?
Find a way to get along, make it choice
you see this world is truly aching for your voice.
But no one listens when you wrap it up in hate
so unwind it from this anger, lay it straight.
Keep it real, keep it open, and keep it tight.
You see, the truth is, only you can make you right.