Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy

How often do we find
the right thing to do
is often at odds
with what we're asked to do.

And lies told to protect
are more acceptable
than truth: depending
on who it is needing protection

When conviction is rewarded
by scorn and suspicion
and complaisance is valued
by those with secrets to keep.

When hearts and minds
are replaced by those
more concerned with
covering bottoms and the bottom line.

In a world that values
conquest over respect, 
money over dignity,
discretion over truth;

tender hearts and creative minds.....
need not apply.