Playing For Survival Poem by Adams Elizabeth Oyarese

PLAYING FOR SURVIVAL
A twisted tongue tells the sweetest tale
To paint a picture of worthy alliance
Declaring a cat fit to wear a dog's tail
Forging illusions as a real form of existence

A man only owns what he can make his
Every painter would paint what his mind sees

In a world where men play for wealth or fame
Playing for survivalshould remain your wisest game

Shape your nature to suit men's taste
Appearing to each to appeal his state

In Rome be a Roman and in Jarusalem a Jew
Let every culture and religion be a replica of you

To the deceiver be crooked and to the noble be fit
To the foolish speak folly and to the wise give wit

Party with the merry and with the mourner grief
For every man is bought first by his belief

To whom power is due should your honour be given
Yet in his slumber, awake and let such honour be taken

Massage men's ego and feed their pride
Gain both their trust and vulnerability alike
Welcome them with friendship and capture their minds
And in their state of oblivion then must you strike!

For what defines betrayal if done by a foe?
Be a many faced creature, men's strength, men's woe!