I have gone with the flow, <br />I have swum with the tide, <br />Boarded block-booked trains, <br />Enjoyed the ride. <br /> <br />I have donned uniforms, <br />Marched in rank and file, <br />Wept when others wept, <br />And smiled when they smiled. <br /> <br />I have saluted flags, <br />I have sworn oaths, <br />I’ve trodden beaten tracks, <br />Worn mass-made clothes. <br /> <br />I have sung hymns, hit songs, <br />Or mouthed catchphrases, <br />Have taken part in team-games, <br />And run in races. <br /> <br />I have passed exams <br />Based on set texts, <br />(Gave the adjudicators <br />What I knew they would expect.) <br /> <br />Yes, I have gone with the flow, <br />But, in the main, <br />I think you’ll find I much prefer <br />To go against the grain. <br /> <br />2/7/07<br /><br />Denys E. W. Jones<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/against-the-grain/
