Caution! Stop!

It was the time of year

When school is over

Teenagers emerge

As newfound adults

Scared and afraid

And I can see why

For years

Even decades

They were made to ask

Can I go

To the bathroom please

Can I know

My letter grade

Take this test

Write the page

You do as you are told

Until you are old

Caution

Stop

Have you applied

To college

Caution

Stop

Now here they are

Trembling and shaking

Go to college

University or higher

Get a career

A good job

A stable income

Caution

Stop

We are not done

Get a house

A family

Some kids

That is the life

To make you happy

Caution

Stop

Is it all worth it

College is over

The debt is sinking

No good job

No income

What are they thinking

Caution

Stop

They take their talents

With courage in hand

Take photos

On Instagram

Showing a stand

Caution

Stop

Making some videos

Hoping to get known

Scraping the rent

For a 2000 dollar room

This is the life

We are left to face

Caution

Stop

So sit on your throne

Judging and scoffing

We are doing

What we have to

To make ends meet

To get through defeat

Caution

Stop

Is college even worth it

When all you get

Is too much debt

Write your way through

Taking some photos

Videos to earn

Whatever you do

Caution

Stop

There is so much more

Follow your heart

No matter the scars

Stand up and do

What you need to be

Nothing can stop you

Get that dream job

Find your own income

Smile at them

That tell you no never

This is your chance

This is our time

Caution

Stop