paper tigers, paper people

paper tigers, paper people

without depth of character

or understanding for compassion

torn by conflicting ideas

needing settled truths

even those dictated by authority unquestioned

uncomfortable being challenged

to consider let alone comprehend

beyond the labels of good and evil

but ready to castigate, to punish

any who come to other conclusions

feeling righteous, these paper tigers

can acquire fang and claw

rancid milk of human kindness

rancid milk of human kindness

when one decides for many

the right path, the only way

to believe and live

even a child needs choice

and mild consequences to grow

into knowledge of self

and tolerance if not respect

for others who are, of physical

and mental and emotional necessity, as

different as each individual was created