Life- A Book of Poems

Power

They say absolute power corrupts,
but why is this so?
Let's take a closer look,
so we understand it in ourselves.

It's often learned when you're young.
Your parents see to that.
They control a large part of what you do,
and so you learn power on the receiving end.

Their control may come from love,
but they are bigger and stronger than you,
so you learn power comes through strength,
and so love the true order of things.

Next you learn power in school.
Teachers now serve as your guardians.
They tell you when to eat and play,
until the end of the school day.

Teachers vary in style,
yet they know more than you.
Thus you learn power comes from knowledge,
and are taught the true order of things.

Then you learn your own power.
Maybe your bigger than the other kids,
perhaps you're smarter,
you could be prettier too,
or make friends easier than others.
All are aspects of power.
They make you feel good.

You may find kids who are less big,
less coordinated.
They are less than you in some way.
It is kind of funny right?
Even funnier if they don't know it.
They may even annoy you or other kids.
They'll need to be taught a lesson.
A lesson on the true order of things.

You may punch them in the face.
You may mock them in front of others.
You may call them ugly.
They don't take it well.
It's even better if they run away crying.
How does that feel?
It feels good!

This is known as bullying.
This is often scorned by adults.
No respectful adult would act this way,
at least that's the impression they give you.

Then you become an adult,
and learn how the real world works.
Bullies are everywhere.
They're just good at hiding it.

As adults, it's not always enough to be more.
We need a reason for unscrupulous actions,
a reason to be right.
Either to fool others around us,
or to fool ourselves.

Why do governments have checks and balances?
Why do we need laws to control the powerful?
Perhaps they're stupid.
Perhaps they're awful.
Maybe if you were in charge you could make things right,
so let's make it so.

Now you control everything.
You rule your throne like god,
at least that's how your people see you.
Make your necessary changes.
Take all the time you need.

What's that, workers are revolting?
How dare they!
You gave them better working times.
It is time that they learn their place,
or they will be punished.

How could they fight what truly helps them?
Perhaps they're stupid.
Perhaps they're awful.
They cannot grasp what is truly right.
They don't understand the true order of things.

Why must only you know what is right?
Perhaps you are better than everyone.
After all, it is your very power that makes you right,
and their awfulness that makes them less.

An insane idea?
It's more common than you think.
Voiced or not, it speaks though actions.
Power corrupts because we believe we are right,
instead of being connected to those we rule.

When we disconnect from others,
we cannot do what's best for them.
The ends will always be self-serving,
no matter our pure intentions.

Good leaders do not try to control,
They lead from a place deep inside themselves.
Where there is no self, only life remains.
Thus, they are separate from no one.

For they know their perceptions,
are limitations in themselves,
and must yield to a greater power.
Where the high and low meet as one,
because they connect to common ground.

Parents, teachers, governors,
all hold power in different ways.
If you hold power in some way,
make sure your meet the ground,
and all will fall into place.
Not from a mountain where you are right,
but from a valley where all life flows.