The Modern Way To Embrace

Not for me the modern way to embrace, Everything and everybody, Using lip service to deliver, To recipients never met, From cultures unknown. Not for me the modern way to embrace, That is not heartfelt, Is born out of fear, Pretends to be sympathetic, Yet can never be termed a hug, With eyes producing only crocodile tears Ears only hearing recorded messages, From a politically correct source. Not for me the modern way to embrace, That is cruel and unfeeling, Requiring me to always wear a mask, With a politically correct phrase app downloaded on my phone, Carrying my hand sanitizing lotion with me wherever I go. Not for me the modern way to embrace, That makes me want to puke, As I think of all those nukes not accounted for, Should the embrace ever be rebuked, Not for me the modern way to embrace, That is bereft of meaning, Fosters no understanding, Is not born out of a need for change, Is not intended to right past wrongs. Not for me the modern way to embrace, I wasn't born with a forked tongue, Still have a sympathetic ear, Was taught to solve problems, not create them, My mask was handed to me by the lone ranger, I dress according to the weather, I deliver messages personally, That are heartfelt, Through facial expressions that are real. My only fault, I will never embrace everything and everybody, At the cost of self, I will however give an old-fashioned hug, That says I care that you are are in pain, And offer you my umbrella should it start to rain.