Disguises

You can hide behind your words and your eloquence of speech

Take refuge in the knowledge of the message that you preach

You can name yourself by DNA or role that life has served

Define yourself by privileges, none of them deserved

You can shield yourself by economic status you have "earned"

By PhD or doctorate as proof that you are "learned"

You can camouflage identity by color or by race

Cloak yourself in purpose to ensure you have a place

But then when label disappears and man-made roles are gone

You're left in disillusionment at revelation's dawn

Tell me, what is left but the soul in earthly dwelling?

Bare of decoration that the world of man is selling

Tell me how your wealth and pride have made you better man

And how you've found eternal life in following your plan

Tell me how you've learned to feel through study or degree

When fear comes knocking at your door you're saved by man's decree

Tell me, what is left when man meet's body's death?

And woman of this world is met with heaven's breath?

Tell me what you've gained with your labeled human worth

When all the world is dignified by innocence of birth

You ornament and dress yourself to fit constructed mold

But when the earth has made your grave you've nothing left to hold

You claim that you have happiness, as if you've reached life's prize

So tell me, oh enlightened one, how you have grown so wise

-C. O'Connell-