Societal Drift
There has never been a time since
Societies emerged,
In any generation where
Communities diverged.
Mankind is like the animals
Who gather into herds;
Proving he is no different
Than mammals, fish and birds.
It isn’t easy to accept,
But we can see what’s true.
If we investigate the facts,
And what applies to you.
Societies create guidelines
On how to look and act,
They tell us what is beautiful,
Acceptable in fact.
They convince us that our choices
Are made by us alone.
So we live with the illusion
That our will is our own.
We follow what is popular,
What helps us play our roles.
We even let society
Shape our dreams and goals.
What you think makes you different
Is nothing of the kind.
People who follow earthly trends
Don’t think with their own mind.
Look at that bellybutton ring,
Tattoo, or gothic style.
It’s evidence, provided for
Society’s profile.
You workout to shape your body
And fit the latest rage.
But all this effort does for you...
Is put you in a cage;
Along with all the other sheep
Who follow current trends.
If we were individuals,
Would we look like our friends?
For individuality
Will sail against the wind.
No gale created by its peers
Can make its mainsail bend.
Yet most are like the stars above,
Too many to number.
The vastness of the universe
Drives the soul to slumber.
And it is not until the flesh
Has withered on the bones,
That man can see that he’s been lost
Upon a sea of clones.
And when he finds that clarity,
At last he’ll understand;
The mountains that he feared to climb
Were only grains of sand.
They cry out with their final breath,
As they drift to the sea;
But youth pays no attention to
The old society.
Our understanding comes too late,
For time is moving swift.
A new society is born,
As generations drift.
And I can’t help but wonder if
You’ll also drift that far,
Before you sail against the wind,
And find out who you are.
Copyright © Mark Spencer | Year Posted 2011
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