They tell you what you're supposed to see
and tell you who you're not supposed to be.
They'll sometimes tell you what you're wanting to hear,
but they're the same ones that tell you what to fear.
They want to make deals to invest in your mind,
they'll buy up your rights then sell you your soul.
They love in veiled halos pretending they're kind,
but they hope that one day you'll forfeit control.
They tell you that you need to alter,
waiting for your soul to falter.
You don't see their sneering grin,
they're waiting for you to give in.
They want you to think "you're the eighth world wonder"
You are a king atop your pedestal
Then 2 months later they'll call you a blunder
they'll strip you down to be everyone's fool.
It's time to stand and share your vision
time to make a big decision.
Do not let them hold you down
treating you like you're a clown.
You will not ever, have to burn out
don't allow your soul to just drift.
You can see what life is truly about
if you hold on the ultimate gift.
Author notes
This is an anthem that I was inspiped by some conversations that my brother Matt1 our friend Mark and I had last week. Matt was very inspired and I really like his spirit, and I have conversations with friends about the ultimate gift. This could be about any situation. I wrote this intentially to be general, but I would love for you to share what this piece means to you.
Share with me your interpretations.
Comments
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This is such an amazing piece of free-spirited and fervent zest for life, for the self...
Love it. The rhyme doesn't come off too forced either (I've been a sucker for rhyming poetry since... I started writing all my stuff in rhyme, and nothing but rhyme, a couple months back
)- my favourite parts:
"They tell you what you're supposed to see
and tell you who you're not supposed to be."
and
"You don't see their sneering grin,
they're waiting for you to give in.
They want you to think "you're the eighth world wonder"
You are a king atop your pedestal"
I think I can see a whole canful of sociological worms that this poem has opened up... and yes, the world we're living in now is fast, varied... and the advent of new media controls our lives/minds like no other period in human history.
...So how would you define the "Ultimate Gift"? Would it be just life itself? (Or would you connote more to it- spirit, will...etc?)
Cheers,
Char
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Thank you for your thorough comment.
Controlling one's own mind is the ultimate gift. So I guess you could say that it's a matter of triumphant will.
People allow medi to control their mind so the title speaks for itself, but also alludes to a double meaning.
The concept of mind control speaks of what the media does and what people can do.
Thanks for the comment.
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The message that I got from this was about freedom in general.
In the broader view of it, I too got the whole government and corporate America feel to it. The whole news media vibe and how they not only tell us what to think about, but also how to think about it. And I think that news media has a lot of power in the sense that it's the only way we know what's going on it the world, and they control what we read about. So I can see how this is a statement of stepping back from all of that, and determining how you feel and think. Basically gaining the control back.
And on a more personal level, I see it as being a person stepping about of any controlling situation, whether it be a relationship or .... an overbearing mother perhaps, I think it's about gaining that personal freedom again. Overall lovely job! -
i agree with the entire piece but dont really see it as poetry. more like a bunch of statements. 'they' is a very vague term, reminds me of the fresh prince episode where the little kids are like do you know who 'they' are? duh the president and his wife! i like the concept of the ultimate gift... bottom line i feel you need to continue to channel and focus your concepts. dont get me wrong i know you have skill and talent just keep going to the next level.
besides that i know what you are talking about and as i said i couldnt agree with you more. -
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Thank you for your comment and tactful analysis of my poem.
Indeed you are cerrect, this poem is filled with many statements which was intentional. These statements bring harsh and obvious truths to light while at the same time inspiring the reader to not be consumed about THEM.
As far as the word, "They" is concerned, it was also intentional. The purpose of this piece was to make a general point. I'm aware of the fact that this isn't an eath shattering poem, it's just one that people can relate to.
While we're on the topic of The Fresh Prince, I suppose the best way to explain this poem is this:
Well, this is a story all about how,
anyone can try to flip your will upside down.
Thanks for reading, and most importantly, thank you for your honesty.
BC. -
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well then in the same vein anything that makes people think is gift. continue to peer past the veil with me.
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I love it! This is really good! I love how its general and not giving to much away. Great job! To me it could mean so many different things government, schools, even just plain society. People have a way to get others to do what they want and its insane what people will do to be "wanted" and "popular" in any situation ya know? To be such a high voice is what people strive for. Again great job. you deserve it!
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!!DEAD ON!!
"They tell you what you're supposed to see
and tell you who you're not supposed to be.
They'll sometimes tell you what you're wanting to hear,
but they're the same ones that tell you what to fear."
Birds of a feather "swollow" together. You might also like,
"Just Me"
http://allpoetry.com/poem/5386101 and
"The Progressives Prayer"
http://allpoetry.com/poem/5478925
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Well done! It makes me think of the government. How they are trying to infiltrate our minds and make us their "toys". Use us as they see fit. Then when they are done with us then they will throw us away. As if we are nothing. Just tools for their amusment. Very well done! Great wrtie! And well done with the rhyming.
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Thanks for your words. This was a very elaborate comment that allows me to see into your perspective reflecting off my poem. That was indeed, one of the things that were going through my head.
I'm very glad that you like it. I truly think it's my best picea yet. I don't believe I've written anything this good since about a year ago.
Thanks,
BC. -
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You are very welcome, and this is one of your best yet. As what was running through my head. It also makes me wonder if thats what they want soldiers for. Or even consider us. Just a "toy" for them to use whenever they please. It really makes me think.
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I was most interested in getting your feedback because you have a lot more experience than most. In fact, I have a high amount of respect for you.
You are a very strong and courageous girl with a lot of experience at your young age. Quite honestly, you've done things in your life that I don't have the courage to do.
I often think these same thoughts. It's, MIND CONTROL.
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This is very intense, I really love this poem. It makes me think of a group of kids who convinced a girl she was her friend just to tear her down. They made her feel so special then publicly humiliated her.
At the same time...makes me think of the government. Awesome write.
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This reminds me of corporate America...I used to be the puppet to the man...I was a chef in a corporate world, had to play their games, whether their ethics were right or not, do as they say and become a robot!
This is very thought provoking, poet!
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wow this really is deep and very insightful dear poet ...one little problem
Line 2 "and tell you who you're supposed to be." would have more impact if it said "and tell you who you're not supposed to be." to counteract line one otherwise this wonderful write is one of you best
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This means a lot to me coming from you. I don't believe I've told you this before, but you are a poetic inspiration to me. You are much different than some people I have read. You really take the poetry thing very seriously. I may not have commented on all of your poems (because your skill allows you to create so many), but I've read a lot of the new ones.
I have to say that what I like about your work is the fact that it is so diverse. You should give yourself a pat on the back because every time I see an interesting title I think, "that has to be Antipodi" and it usually is.
I'm so glad you commented my poem back in January. You've inspired me to step it up.
It seems that every year at right around this time, my poetry takes leaps and bounds. This is the beginning of a new era my friend. Thanks for giving me the strength to begin and continue.
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I guess for me, step out of the box and be yourself
I love the way you created this to fit...
a universal poem filled with many meaning
well done
God bless you my friend...
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I always try to write something that I believe in, but I also try to step out of the boundaries of my own mind. A criticism that I've received from a few literary geniouses is that poetry has lost the aspect of power and profundity and there are people that just make it a paragraph of themselves.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing, to each their own. However, I want to read something that resembles the passionate intentions of my own work. Something that really digs deep into the heart and soul.
It takes more than words on a paper to make poetry. Heck, make them rhyme, but it still needs power and poetic device. It's all about the word play.
Thanks for commenting,
BC.
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