Lemmings

I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. - Rita Mae Brown

What should I do?

Where should I go?

I’ll just do as you do

And know what you know

Think for myself?

There’s really no reason

To commit such an act of

Outright social treason

I’ll just blindly follow

With the masses I’ll fit

My mind doesn’t matter;

To that I’ll admit

I know I should fight

Against soul-sucking norms

But it’s so much easier

To give in and conform

Author's Note

The captcha: venthole. Hmmm... I think the Universe is trying to tell me something...

Reviews

[Eddie Phillips]

You have such intellect and rhythm in your poetry. It informs while it entertains. That is a rare gift. I greatly enjoyed the inner message of this poem. Many people feel this way. We see it in society every day.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Eddie. I have always been wary of conformists - they never really know themselves...

[Tom]

If your innovative and enjoyable poetry is an indicator Rita, you are no lemming; though the concept of the poem is indeed a true reflection of the masses throughout modern society. All to easy to just go with the flow but then there's another shorter term for that, its called Boring !

Splendid as always Rita, there's definitely no laissez faire that'll do rightly thinking with you !!

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thanks, Tom! I have never been one to conform, and that has been its own sort of simultaneous curse and blessing.

[Tom]

Its called being an individual so please don't change!

[rutherford]

Excellent insight on conformity -- born of laziness. Nicely penned.

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly... Thanks, John.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

"I know I should fight
Against soul-sucking norms
But it’s so much easier
To give in and conform"

This speaks so much of the human struggle to stand for what we believe is right. However, this also states just how much vulnerable we are to simply conform to the 'soul-sucking norms' of the society. Very realistic. Very human. I love the language used, anyway. Thanks, Rita! :x

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Blue - it is not always easy for anyone...

[Baby Ricochet]

Conforming means not getting busted.

[Rita L. Sev]

Well, there's conforming to the laws of a society, and then there's blindly following what everyone else is doing...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

god, i just want to have my students read this...i wish so much that they would "think outside the box" just a bit more....no, a lot more.

but those norms, you know..they are safer---blend in...

[Rita L. Sev]

It starts so young, too - a conversation I have with my middle-school students. The ones who do think outside the box are tortured by those who stay crammed inside... Thank you, Jacob.

[kublakhan27]

Some poems just aren't meant for technical dissection...it is all about the emotion here, at least for me...the degree to which I relate to this has no words...it really is easier to give in and conform...we may not want to admit it, and we can fight that reality as long and hard as possible, but it is an undeniable reality...but for the sake of our own souls, we just have to keep on keeping on...wonderful work my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, K... I have been "outside the box" most of my life, but you are so right - there are times when staying there is just too exhausting... But, on we go...

[kublakhan27]

Anytime Rita :) I admire your ability to at least fight off conformity for so long...I need to fight more haha

[Angel]

ROFLOL...it could be that the Universe is trying to tell you something!!
Honey, nobody is ever going to accuse you of being "normal"...
Then, again, I don't think that anyone here in the Café would answer to that description...


And I am so grateful...I have finally found a place where I fit in...

[Rita L. Sev]

That's true, Angel - we are a pretty unique bunch! :)

[OTownPete]

Be very careful rita, that cliff edge is getting closer all the time. Your friend in words, Pete

[Rita L. Sev]

Ah, yes... you are so right! Thanks, Pete.