The rules of this game

Through windows we gaze, into worlds unknown,

As people choose, what they want shown,

Hiding behind, the barriers we make,

With sideways glances, that we all take,

How many people, show themselves so freely?

Where no judgement, reigns supremely,

But conversations, rage deep inside,

Sometimes they surface, and we cannot hide,

We’ve seen those people, who are openly discussing,

To us they’re alone, but inside they’re fussing,

You can clearly hear, two sides of a story,

And the situation, makes us all quite weary,

As those voices, become heard by all,

Society deems you, right for recall,

But everyone has, a secret dialogue,

Inside our own, mind synagogue,

Is it our conscience, or a spirit guide?

Why must this part, of us have to hide?

People you pass, in the streets each day,

You see their lips, move and sway,

Anger seems, to bring to the surface,

And makes those around, extremely nervous,

How fine the line, things are deemed okay,

We walk a tight rope, every single day,

What is accepted, or simply deemed insane,

If only we knew, the rules of this game!

— Alan Firmin