Revolting

It seems my mind was never sold
on all the lies that we've been told
and now that I am getting old
I question everything I've known.

Have I ever seen the real
or is it just an endless spiel
designing how we think and feel
so we will mindlessly condone

the less-than-compensating wage
that keeps us in a stagnant age
too tired to express our rage
against the few that claim they own

the very world on which we feed
manipulating every need
that motivates our hapless breed
until, at last, they're overthrown.

On You

The wages of sin
negate any gains
until you begin
exposing the veins
the prick of a pin
or fermented grains
will buy you a grin
but woe never wanes.

Stakes

The era of empowerment
envelopes all beneath the tent
except for those who can't be bent

so never let them see you're strong
if you wish to join the throng
subjugated to belong.

Uncovered

If you're a good little slave
they give you the candy they bred you to crave
but when you opt out of the plan
you become a disposable man
and trust me, they can't wait to waive
your rights as fast as they can.

There's nothing more harmful than greed
to a race in perpetual need
for once you methodically drain
every conceivable vein
of indigent people to feed
the whims of the rich, hope is slain.

Activism

I was talking to that old man today
you know the one whose thinning hair is gray
and there was only one thing he could say
"It seems my friend the world has gone astray.

There's people killing people out of hate,
while those ordained to lead just instigate
and if we follow them our only fate
will be to die indentured to the state."

And as he spoke I felt the weight of chains
then said, "But surely freedom still remains."
He said, "That's just a word from old campaigns,
we long ago gave up the truth for gains."

So now I'm sitting here with my guitar
considering what values really are
and wishing mightily on every star
that somehow we can heal this painful scar

for if you truly feel that love's the way
then you should not be drowning in dismay
but waking up to nurture every day
a world that is a better place to stay.

Online

Mice within a maze
bleary eyes ablaze
burning with the need
ferocious urge to feed
upon the latest craze

bait is best when fresh
at least in terms of flesh
never sense the net
riddled with regret
victim of the mesh.

Wide is the Gate

I prefer
not to inter
my mind with a slur
for everyone is similarly flawed
I instead
will free my head
and never be led
upon the path as wrong as it is broad.

Rolling

It's a growing shame
how time can untame
a lankier frame

but one can't shrug
away the hug
when things get snug

unless they deem
a bulging seam
not too extreme.

Hardened

If only you were prone
to practice what you preach
you'd never be alone
embracing all who reach
instead of hearing stone
indiscriminately screech
whenever it is shown
that there's been the slightest breach.