There has never been a time,
Since societies emerged,
In any generation where
Individuals diverged.

Man is like the animals,
Who flock together in herds.
Showing they’re no different
Than the mammals, fish and birds.

And if you don’t believe that,
We can look at what is true.
We need only check the facts,
To see what applies to you.

Society has guidelines,
How to look and how to act,
It decides what’s beautiful,
Or acceptable, in fact.

It gives you the illusion
That your choices are your own.
You live with the delusion
That you make each choice alone.

You follow what’s popular,
What best helps you play your roles.
Letting your social circles,
Even shape your dreams and goals.

Things you think make you different,
Make you nothing of the kind.
Those who follow earthly trends,
Do not think with their own mind.

See that bellybutton ring,
That tattoo, or gothic style?
They provide the evidence,
For society’s profile.

You work to shape your body
So it fits the latest rage.
But the fruits of your success,
Only put you in a cage.

Along with all the others,
Who are following this star.
As society defines
What you think, and who you are.

It’s rare when one discovers
Individuality.
But the world always knows it,
For such souls make history.

The rest? Only grains of sand,
Too numerous to number.
The vastness of the desert
Drives their spirits to slumber.

It is not until the flesh,
Starts to whither on their bones,
That they notice they’ve been lost,
In a sea of faceless clones.

And it is at that moment,
When they truly understand,
The things they thought were mountains
Were just tiny grains of sand.

They raise their voice in warning,
As they’re carried to the sea,
But youth pays no attention
To the old society.

Understanding comes too late;
Winds of time are moving swift.
New societies are born,
As the generations drift.

And I can’t help but wonder
If you’ll also go that far,
Before you think for yourself,
And know who you really are.

Tweet

Comments on this poem/writing:

Click here to read other Poems by Mark Spencer

Copyright©2017-1999 by Rebecca R. Hammack

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All Rights Reserved.   No part of this website, including all pictures and written words,  may be reproduced or copied in any manner from this website without  permission of the original author of the work.  All poetry and pictures herein remain the sole property of the original author and/or copyright owner.  All poetry on this website has been submitted by the original author of the work. To contact any author of the work please e-mail: dreamer@dreamersreality.com  so the proper person may be notified.