Broken Standards

I never wanted to be that guy

Who looks you in the eye before the lie

Be the person who makes you cry

Another opportunity and another try

Giving back my heart and soul

The golden rule to make it whole

Seeing clearly through the dirty glass

Always somebody's pain in the ass

I never wanted to be someone's worry

Here I stand in my personal flurry

Raining inside inclement weather

The bonds that seal my thoughts together

Falling down and stumbling in

worried seclusion and where to begin

Carry the burdens and shelter the pains

My past is checkered and littered with stains

Not seeking perfection or mediocrity

Not seeking approval from society

If life is precious why can't it be

A life of love and levity

I cannot hate those who hate

I can only hope to have a debate

That being that guy who has a place

To make a difference in this small space

Laughing instead of wailing aloud

Hugging instead of fighting the crowd

Verbal judo instead of throwing my hands

Fetal position on my commands

I've given up on high expectations

The bar is set low for this wounded nation

I remember when we all had hope

That memory crashes on a slippery slope

This place is on fire and burning too hot

We are what we are and lost the plot

I've given my life to see some hope

But we drink, self medicate and try to cope

So much water flows beneath our feet

Lost opportunities and so much deceit

Holding ourselves towards a higher ground

Will tranquility ever be found?