Read the Fine Print

Taking a few minutes to look back at how I was raised,
it was less about doing right & more about being praised.
As long as the outside was clean, sharp, and right,
nobody questioned you, no fuss, no fight!

So I manipulated the system, and learn to wear a mask,
outwardly being what they wanted, doing what they ask.
Learning to hide the darkness that was really under this disguise,
I fooled many by crossing my t's & dotting my i's.

I memorized the verses so I could talk the talk!
Don't swear, say the Lord's prayer.
I memorized the rules so I could walk the walk!
No long hair, be careful what you wear.
Make sure your not a stumbling block,
causing you brother to err, or fall into a snare.

Now as I grew up religion was drilled into my brain,
I was taught that it will keep me sane.
All these voices inside my head are surfacing again!
I followed them blindly as my master bound by their ball and chain!

As I moved out breaking free once and for all I think,
but all I did was trade masters 'CLINK'!
Now this new promise had my full undivided attention,
but I wasn't listening when the fine print he did mention.
So I am going to revisit both with honorable mention!
Because my eyes are now open and I want to help your comprehension!

There are many interpretations of how this fine print can read,
however the promise sounded sure. Yes indeed!
Please don't take my word as gospel, but as you sit take heed.
Consider even just for a moment where this road could lead.

As I recall the promise that was made to me,
so much to do and so much to see.
Welcome to a world you have never known!
I'm freedom, I'm power, I'm wealth!
Your new best friend, I'm very well known!
I will help you have privacy to do your own thing, pure stealth.

Anything you can think of is yours... Call it a loan?
And to show how much I care, the terms I'll postpone!
What terms? You ask in anticipation and confusion.
Under his breath he mutters, "just some simple infusion!"
You smile, shrug your shoulders! Like me you lose the focus,
caught up in this magical moment. Can we say, 'hocus pocus'?

Weeks, months, even years have gone by so fast,
at first your life seemed awesome, not for long did it last!
But now the fine print of the terms you see firsthand,
emotionally shot, finances in disarray, relationships and life out of hand.
You realize your twisted, broken, and in need of a plaster cast.
With a great emptiness in your soul ever so vast,
your feeling lifeless just like a cartoon drawn by Thomas Nast!

So as you recall the contract dipped in silver,
oh how he over promised, but surely did under deliver!
This smooth talking silver-tongue and you are combined,
ever so tightly are you intertwined!
Now only as you try to walk away and break free,
do you hear this awful cry of the banshee!
Legend has us believe that this cry warns of death,
but I say it's an announcement of new life caused by God's breath!

Stories are told by the Indians about a white and black dog,
the one you feed and nurture will be top dog!
II Corinthians 5:17a "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:"
this was a common message from my preacher.
Now 5:17b "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
the death of this old man allowed me to watch as this new man grew!

Don't stay bound in your chains of sin,
when truly we can be cleansed from within!
1st John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all iniquity.
our salvation is by faith alone, but forgiveness comes by activity.