what do you mean
"that's just the way it is"
i exclaimed, exasperated at his catch-all admonition
he shook his head
made no effort at hiding his disrespect
as he told me my attitude would get me no where

but i know
there's more to see 
than just shadows
on a cave wall
in front of me

and so that's why
i extinguish the fires
that blind us
and turn us 
inside to liars

it was a moment before
i looked around
and noticed i was alone
see the argument was with myself
and the voices were my own.
born on a middle school playground
he'll be with me until i'm dead
the question is whether we hand over control
or will we think for ourselves instead?

i'm not a liar
i'm not a fake

i won't listen tonite
or ever again