It's just a joke

(person one)

I wake up to a beautiful morning, 

The air was crisp and the birds were chirping their typical melody.

I tell myself that today will be a different day

A fresh, clean start.

(person two) 

I get up in confusion like every morning,

The clock was ticking down - down to reality,

All I can think of is to cover up the pain with the mask of laughter. 

(person one)

I look at my reflection one last time in the mirror.

Yet when I look, I see the pain.

The pain embedded within the paleness of my skin,

The solitude spreading wide in the emptiness of my heart.

I leave my house, head swirling with emotions.

(Person two)

I tell myself that I will not show my true feelings,

Crack jokes with my friends and create this illusion.

I will leave my house as someone else.

Someone who has no issues, worries or doubts. 

(Unison)

Hey.

Nice weather.

How’s it going?

School’s kicking my butt.

(Narrator)

Unaware of each others situations,

They joke about life as if all was carefree.

A car passes by.

(Unison)

Jump in front of this car and we can get free tuition.

(Narrator)

They laugh - thinking it’s another opportunity to follow the joke 

A joke that’s unknowingly a reality for many.

The joke that could end it all in a split second

The joke that would end all the worries, the anxiety, the pain.

(Unison)

Ha ha, yeah

If only it were so simple right?

(Narrator)

An opportunity to relieve that pressure, 

An opportunity that is pushing kids off the edge

An opportunity that seems like the only solution

But it’s only a joke,

Right?

(Person 1)

I want to end it all - This could be my opportunity, 

But I have to tag along with the foolishness 

This foolishness that people confuse depression with.

I laugh and play along as if its a joke.

(Person 2 )

I have to hide the pain.

Hide the pain with laughter, 

And throw a smile on my face.

Everyday we stand at this corner, 

Everyday we watch the blue, four doored car pass by.

Everyday we laugh about this same joke 

(Unison)

Ha, we could totally end it.

( Narrator)

What do they want to end? 

The Day? Hour? Minute? Second? 

Life? 

Why are these jokes covering the true pain that is nothing else but pure agony.

They’re still standing on the corner, 

Contemplating the green light, 

Contemplating the fast speeding cars, 

Contemplating what could possibly be their last breath. 

(Unison)

Free college tuition?

(person 2 )

I joke to take the stress away

We both stand still watching the cars pass by

Our worries could be solved, and our debts could be gone

What could go wrong? Lose an arm, an eye?

It’s what the culture tells you that’s not wrong.

(Person 1)

Hear me out - 

I have faced nothing but sadness and fear throughout my life,

People take this fear and sadness as a joke

A joke to lighten the mood

A joke to start a conversation

A joke to hide the pain

But I don’t hide the fear and sadness, 

I don’t hide this monster

I’m screaming out for help,

But my scream is muted by the foolishness these jokes bring.

My foot takes a step off the curb.

(Narrator)

It was only a joke, right?

The end.