Trying To Be Cool

A boy has started his long journey home from school,
Except it's later than usual, down to an unjust detention.
Although it's still light, horrors await
He wonders whether he'll make it home, or how late.

Someone else is hanging about with his mates.
Not causing any trouble to anyone who doesn't cause trouble to them
Just having fun, laughing and joking...or so it seems.
Unless someone appears who've dreamt his or hers last dream.

This boy was, I guess, just unfortunate.
He had long hair and glasses so didn't fit in
Not a reason but certainly a motive for gangs.
In this harsh world, full of violence and slang.

One of the boys saw him and felt the smooth metal in his pocket
Didn't want to use it but it was a necessity.
This boy was just trying to be cool - he didn't really like pain
And asked him for his phone, apparently in vain.

He saw the boy walk up to him, he felt immediately scared
The news said there was an increase of activity in this area.
He put his head down and walked but was stopped
Asked for his phone and then felt himself drop.

To the onlookers it must have looked really gruesome
Except, there was none. All had disappeared in fear.
This was how much fear lads put in civilians
Fear that they will end the life of millions.

The boy hadn't meant to lose his temper.
But as soon as the other had refused he did.
Drew the knife and with one sharp stab he was done.
Watched the blood and then ran away for fun.

Two days later he awoke in a hospital
Blood loss had caused him to pass out.
Luckily he had been found and cared for.
Now he was safe but scared. He didn't want to go there anymore.

In a prison cell the boy was kicking himself.
He hadn't wanted it to go so far.
He only joined to be cool, to have some fun
But now the police had won.