Rise Above Mediocrity

The path to traditional engulfing self-pity
is strewn with the ghosts of creation by committee.
Never daring to leave the womb to fly high
the soul is crushed by the urge to comply.

Over and over again you are taught to conform
when what will excel is actually far from the norm.
Incessant reiteration popular demand will magnify
duplication of unimportant acceptance to satisfy.

Universal and widespread runs the groove of reliance
for the current and fashionable rut of compliance.
Accustomed to the established art world of turnkey
stable and trustworthy are its true enemy.

Unwaveringly regular and ordinarily well known
approved and deep rooted your ideas will have grown.
Never rocking the boat as you go with the crowd
the days will pass by but your voice won't grow loud.

But what will this fitting in bring onto you
as no one will notice when life's day is through?
Rise above mediocrity and dispose of its tools.
Observing the rules conveys nothing to fools.

Ingrained and prevailing mediocre commonplace
stay clear of these magnets that most will embrace.
Its far more comfortable to have thoughts that are stale
and visions in boxes riding someone's coat tail.

At first many eyes full of disgust will agree
disobedience breeds change which must not be free.
But breaking the chains of this convention to satisfy
breathes life into thoughts whose essence won't die.

True freedom is found by those who will say
that the final answer is clear when they disobey.
Be first on your block to stray from the trail
and the air of change will be yours to inhale.

And what will this fitting in bring onto you?
Surely no one will notice when life's run is through.
Unlearn common knowledge they've taught you in schools.
Rise above mediocrity it brings sorrow to fools.