Reflections

It's tough to be a free spirit in a world so compressed.
I'm a peaceful man so why am I so depressed?
I’m the dominant being in this regime, but I'm only the court jester.
I study for all the exams and I still fail the semester.
I'm a prolific thinker with no thoughts to inspire.
I'm the non-flammable agent that can spark a fire.
I'll give you a tour of my world but I still have something to hide.
I have a smile of happiness but the tears of one who cried.
I’ve been walking forever, but I still manage to stumble.
I have a death grip on the ball, but still manage to fumble.
I have a vast vocabulary, but struggle to find the words.
My movements are swift but I fall prey to the stampeding buffalo herds.
I managed to stay straight and narrow, but I still get twisted.
I'm a spectator for the parade, but I still missed it.
I'm calm and tranquil, but I still spit venom.
I'm smooth as a sheet of ice, but rough on the edges like worn denim.
Who am I? You know me but my name rings no bell.
I'm a nobody, but someone knows me. The question is: is this my story or your story to tell?