You're Being Watched

you’re being watched

millions of eyes

opinions and thoughts

you’re being watched

from every decision you make

to the path you choose to walk

you’re being judged

for the souls you befriend

and the dresses swishing at your ankles

you’re being judged

with every word you speak;

every emotion you unravel

societal pressures linger

conflict your deepest desires

they begin to twist and tangle

till it’s your mind that becomes the liar

you’re under control

of the mindless whispers

and irking tattles

you’re under control

slowly succumbing

to a devious battle

your mind is theirs

your thoughts programmed

and heart neglected

your mind is theirs

fooled into the herd

like a lemming infected

you’ve been swindled

robbed of your dreams

competition a plaguing disease

you’ve been swindled

truths buried deep within

unaccepted; lost to the breeze

you’re being raced

relentlessly toiling

to make the mark

you’re being raced

blood, sweat and tears

poured into the dark

cutthroat competition

determination fierce

an irresistible reward

or a ruthless curse?

you’re being rebuilt

new ‘goals’ new ‘desires’

as you contend for power

you’re being rebuilt

eager to place first

to make your competition cower

your true self erased

are these dreams really yours?

or strings of manipulative code?

your true self erased

not a moment to recollect

as you rush down this new road

was it worth it?

losing yourself

to make your way to the top?

did you know it happened?

your soul’s ambition

veiled and warped?

you won’t see it now

as you ride this thrill

blurred through this rush of life

you won’t see it until…

…until you stop to breathe

to think, to reflect

when you recall that extinguished desire

will you be filled with regret?