Cosmetic Plague

[Originally by Rudimentary Peni]

Being honest is no means of survival,

Avoid your inner-feelings like the plague,

This is what it takes to comply with the images

This structure will accommodate,

But things aren't what they seem when they're partially hidden

Behind walls of pretence built for peace of mind.

The barriers between us are forever maintained

By our acceptance of the roles others choose to define.

In a world of competition life's portrayed as a contest

Where we're forced to live by making gains at others expense,

But no-one's really gaining when perpetual conflict's the result

Of our relationships based on pretence,

We don't need this cultural cosmetic division

It upholds the self-interest on which the system feeds,

A deconditioned consciousness of mutual respect

Is the only way to cure this cosmetic disease.