Competing is what we do

Whether it's for first chair in the orchestra pit or for academic scholarships,

we compete

we compete over who has the fastest car, the whitest teeth,

the biggest feed lot farm, the most nuclear arms,

the skiniest waist, the most beautiful face

we compete until somebody wins, we compete until someone

is beaten down

we compete for higher ground.



So we beat each other over and over

and our children learn each day as they grow older

that in order to be successful you must step into the ring,

tap gloves and fight to the finish

compete, beat, endure and diminish

others



Whether it's for an oil pipe line or a stuffed animal at the fair,

put this mentality into a country of people

and we will blow up our neighbours in justified warfare.



What have we won when all is said and done?

A piece of land through the barrel of a gun?

What have we won when we're considered "celebrities?"

A little gold star that all the crowds will see

as it glitters on the sidewalk in the afternoon sun?

Or, better yet, that same gold star pinned on your son's military uniform's lapel?

or an official paper framed and hung on your office wall?

for all to see, all to tell

who is the tallest, strongest, toughest, most successful of all...



And as we win, what do we lose?

As we beat others down, do you really think we rise?

As we infect our thinking with this need to win and compete

When we feed this disease, who dies?

As we win, what do we lose?

As we win, what do we lose?

You choose.