The Anatomy of "Cool"

What is "cool"?
It's not warm, but it's not quite cold. It's cool
But somehow now it's something completely different

"Cool" is a threat
If you don't change to be cool, you will be uncool.

If you're uncool, you will be an outcast
As an outcast you are hurt emotionally, and sometimes physically, too.
Insults may be said to your face, or behind your back, or close enough you can hear, while acting like you're not there
Sometimes, they're said sarcastically. This can hurt the most. "Hey, Alex, nice clothes!" and as they walk, you hear them laughing, so proud of the pain they've afflicted.

If you are uncool, you may get lucky, if you do everything you can to become "cool". Maybe.
You may be un-deemed un-cool, or maybe you'll carry the labels "wanna-be" or "fake". But deep inside you will know that they're the only real "fakes".
You may not understand, though, that something is going on inside of them, that they are hiding from, covering up with the power they feel by being responsible for causing pain in others.
But it's still no excuse.

Maybe if you're "uncool", you'll start believing what the "cool kids" say.
When you're asked your name, you say your name, but are thinking "dork", "freak", "ugly", "fat", or some that are not suitable to be said here.

"Cool" is a virus
It spreads in your head,
Trying to control you.

Some people are stronger than others and can fight the "cool" virus.
Some people don't know how to fight it.
They don't have the medicines of supportive family, good friends, or strong self confidence.
Or sometimes they just can't fight it, and become robots. Desperate to be "cool".

The labels... freak, ugly, fat, other words, too, they ring in your ears if you let them
The labels... logos on the shirts you wear, the tags on your pants, even  on your jewelry and shoes

How you do your hair, and how you act, can also define "cool".
Being nice to "uncool" people also makes you "uncool".
Going to church, simply not insulting others, getting good grades, are often also considered "uncool".

But the REAL cool, is not trying to be cool.
Those people are the ones who make good friends, and pick you up when you're down.
The ones who be who they are, and fight the threats of "cool" by being kind, and caring, and creating a new definition of "cool".
Loving, caring, supporting, being who you are. Now that's cool.