The Way of the World

Don't smoke or I'll rip your lips off, says your mother with a cigarette in her mouth.

If you drink I'll kill you, says your father with a beer in his hand.

Never cut yourself, says your best friend as the blood drips from her wrists.

Don't speak out of turn, says your boss as he interrupts you.

Dress in a neutral uniform, say the school officials, dripping in diamonds and gems.

Think like us, say the mindless politicians, repeating the same things.

Be 'yourself', says society in unison, holding a gun to your head.