It is not easy to do well
In a world that does not want to.

One finds himself living counter-culture—
Not necessarily from a sour and contrary bent,
But from the innocence of practical necessity.

And consequently, one frequently
Finds the world wishing he would not,
And offering myriad alternatives,
The aims of which may range from
Their feeling better at having
His company in their wrong choices,
To wanton profiting from
His outright harm.

And he will learn whether
He is willing to walk alone
If need be,
Or whether his want of company
Is enough to entice him to do
What he knows is not best.