Many in the present day
Speak the word democracy as the highest call
But what if only a narrow definition of choice
Is all that will ever be allowed
What if the will of a mob cries out
To burn to death, or lynch someone
For the color of his skin, for his fluid gender
Perhaps a person with mental illness
Or a different, alien outlook
The crowd's screams and drum beats grow
Ever louder, deafening
The popular vote is not always just
If one is offended
It can and would lead to death
For those who are not like the others
One might agree with the crowd
Or believe in a will of good in all people
Without leaders and knowledge of the laws
We might feel able to make rash choices
While the innocent raise their voices
The will of the masses is moved by anger
And greed and envy to be their cause
It cannot be denied in our past
Foibles of human behavior
Have long been celebrated
The darkness within always entertained
If outrage turns to spectacle
And masses are in power
The rule of justice is stained
And equity will not be attained
Democracy alone is not an answer
The will of the crowd make it toxic
The drama of humanity must reach higher
With imperfect human minds
We can't reach that place
With a grinding need for revenge
We invite the state to commit murder
In fact, we beg the state to commit homicide
And will volunteer, in time
