The Cynic

I've walked the many miles between
What I was taught and what I've learned
What I was told and what I've seen
What was said when my back was turned

I've learned corporate donations
Ostensibly for charity
Are only but tax deductions
Widening the disparity

I've learned that workers are worth less
Than the machines they operate
They're so much easier to replace
When family life won't cooperate

I've learned that all men aren't equal
If you got money, you get the breaks
I've learned all movies must have sequels
Because more money they must make

I've learned that it's not what you know
Experience or education
The key to life is WHO you know
Your connections and relations

I've learned that a jerk-off gets the girl
Who complains that he's a jerk-off
I've learned that the material world
Ain't worth the butt you work off

I've learned that looks really DO matter
Just ask any hippie, punk, or dred
Those who climb the company ladder
Are the ones who give the best head

I've learned that wars are mostly fought
When corporations stand to gain
And lies that public schools have taught
Put propaganda in kid's brains

I've learned that the Almighty Church
Ain't nothin' but a fashion show
It's alright to gossip and sin
If you're one of the status quo

I've learned about hypocrites
What's good for them ain't good for you
I've learned that one must buy justice
Too bad if you can't afford to

I've learned that pot and LSD
Are not as bad as we've been taught
Much safer than beer or whiskey
But woe to you if you get caught

I've learned that when a rich man falls
The poor will always bail him out
I've learned that people with no balls
Just keep on running at the mouth

I've learned folks love stealing credit
But never want to accept blame
Two-faced bastards, so full of shit
Will sell their souls for fleeting fame

I've learned that so-called "friends"
Will frig you faster than a stranger
Their means justified by their ends
No matter what, you're in danger

I've learned that certain neighborhoods
Have gotten bad reputations
But most of these poor folks are good
Just stuck in bad situations

I've learned things aren't always as seems
Many things, neither wrong or right
In monochrome, most things I see
Are mostly gray, not black or white

I've learned that children seldom learn
what grown-ups tell them they should be
But silently, their knowledge earned
Not what they hear, but what they see

I've learned that people are like sheep
Rather not hear of things like this
How can they get a good night's sleep?
It proves that ignorance is bliss

I've walked the many miles between
What I was told and what I see
And what I've seen, THE TRUTH, I mean
I'm glad it finally set me free

Amen