Leaders and Followers

There's the image of a man
Who commands a high opinion
But he hides his hatred with a sheepish grinAnd beside him flanking closely
Are the boisterous hollow masses
Who lap up whatever trickles inThis intercourse of nature
This vulgar social pastime
Reflects the lowest mark of our progressAnd the few who ride peripheral
Maintain subtle advantage
Fighting hard to abstain and redressDo you know your place
In the big charade?
Are you more than they?Leaders and followers
Leaders and followersRecognition by proximity
And a brand new face
Just a smidgen of success pie
And a pinch of social graceYou can play with the big boys
Or you can tell them what to do
But sooner or later there's another one like youThe voyeuristic public
Of which we're all a part
Maintains perspective on the human playAnd while many have desires
Of joining in the show
Many turn and go the other wayTell me do you know your place
In the big parade?
Are you fear and shame?