Once upon a time...
a counter-culture
arose and spread
throughout the Empire.

"Peculiar people"

No weapons or plans of attack
seemed to discourage them.

They were
"no part of the world",
and could not be
forced to conform.

A new plan was formed
"If you can't beat 'em... join 'em."

"You catch more flies with honey".

The Empire fell
it"seemed "
and the
Holy Empire
arose.

In time...
The people were no longer" peculiar "
No longer was there seen to be any
dramatic difference between them
and the WORLD.

The flies had been lured and trapped.
Their wings were pulled off
and their buzzings were marketed.

Honey flowed

and the WORLD
bathed in the gold.

In time...
the people of the WORLD
found a new land.
and confronted a new
counter-culture.

Many lessons had been learned.
New strategies were applied.
Even though bloody battles were fought...

"You catch more flies with honey."

This new "enemy"
was not defeated
with standard war tactics.

They were defeated through
tokens of friendship

Brought to their knees
with trinkets.
pots and pans
blankets and mirrors
weapons and tools of metal

stimulants

Toys and Temptation

and in time...
The recipients of the doo-dads
became weak and dependent
upon theWORLD.

The WORLD spread
throughout the New Land
and in time...
a new counter-culture arose...

Young and Wild
with cries of Love and Peace.
Their ideals spread like wildfire
and many efforts were made to snuff it out.

Lessons had been learned...

"You catch more flies with honey."

In time...
this new counter-culture
was marketed.
Medallions hung
from racks in department stores,
bearing their symbol of Peace.

Clothing, with images
of their Revolutionary Heroes
were manufactured and sold.

And in time...
It all blended together nicely
into a"Hip " new
WORLD.

Years later...
When another group arose
with cries of discontent and rebellion...
They too were marketed and blended...

Urban Poets,
backed by driving militant beats,
cried out against the
WORLD and its corruption.

"You catch more flies with honey"

The Hip WORLD
quickly "hopped" on board.

Honey poured.

The tongues of the angry poets
were marketed and added
to the " Mix "

There are many cases
that have not been mentioned
and in each and every case...

a little Flash
a smile
Some smoke and mirrors
and the battle is over.

Rebellions are bought
Fads are created
Price tags are applied
Profit is made.

Counter-culture
becomes the norm.

The WORLD
dances to the buzz.

Today...
Through marketing,
smoke and mirrors,
Toys and temptation,
Trinkets,
Doo-Dads...
Almost all the people
have become entrapped
in the honey.

Weak and dependent
upon the WORLD.

If you are one
not as bound...
And it rises in you
to create a buzz...

Remember...
As you make your stand
against the WORLD...
with your differences...
your defiances...

remember...

That as long as you
are the "enemy"
the battle is being fought.

As long as there is a fight...
There is a chance at victory.

Stand your ground and
stay true to your convictions.

Ignore the smiles
The handshakes
The pats on the back
And above all...
Never allow them
to embrace you.

In their embrace..
you suffocate and die.

Avoid the honey.

***