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

[Michael G. Smith]

Know many people like this. Since I can remember if something was over the top popular I refused to be part of it; movies, music, etc... You always capture truth with a sense of humor.

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thanks, Mike - I am the same way. If something is very popular with the masses, it is not likely that I will find it interesting...

[Michael G. Smith]

Thumbs up, sister.

[Pryde Foltz]

To commit such an act of
Outright social treason

Yes, indeed, think not when others are so willing to do so for you. The line above was the standout in this fantastic piece.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Pryde - this type of thinking is so prevalent in middle school...

[Angi]

I often tell my kids to be who they are! Don't follow the crowd just because the crowd says so. Question things. Know why you are doing something and do it for the right reason. Love this, Rita!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Angie - this came from a similar lesson I was teaching my students!

[Jack...]

Rita, step out of that line this instant, break ranks and yell..."I am me and I always will be" Great job here, I like the flow and feel of this piece.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Jack. That's just it - I have never been in that line to begin with. Always the odd egg, and love it that way. It pains me to see so much conformity!

[Frieda P]

I think that when we're young we want nothing than to fit in with the so-called 'norm', luckily we acquire some brain cells that work in our favor with age, (one good thing anyway) ha...and realize that we have to be true to ourselves. Good message in this one Rita, much enjoyed.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Frieda. Something I try to instill to middle-schoolers...

[Frieda P]

Ha don't they speak an entirely different language at that age? ;-)

[Rita L. Sev]

Oh, yes! Each year I have to take a course in that classes language - I find it to be a better experience if I meet them where they are a bit. Exhausting, but it keeps me young! (kind of...) :)

[Frieda P]

Truthfully, they're clearer than most adults I know! ;-)

[Dayran]

A surfer waits for that high wave before getting into the water.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So many of us attempt to conform to society's whims in some form or another...almost like a mental collective. I strive to stay outside of that box whenever possible, but I still get dragged in from time to time. I quite liked this one. Well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, GF. It is a challenge to stay away fro the crowd mentality. Appreciate your review!

[KeelyJane]

i love poetry with deep message. you bring to light a subject i myself have written about. nicely done. thank you for sharing.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Keely!

[Souladareatease]

"it was better than cats, I will see it again and again"
"Roger and Ebert give it two thumbs up"
Soul says---"Magnificent!!! I concur with those up there" :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Soul! Your review made me smile!

[Souladareatease]

:) As did Your write for me:) Glad we shared those:)

[John Lauterbach]

After reading this and not being the first person to say it's really good, I feel rather defeated.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thanks, John! Believe me, your writing covers you in the "unique" department! :)