Against A Brick Wall

To have faith, to continue to believe
In the good of man and woman
In the sincerity of actions and words
In smiles given and kindness received

Amid growing evidence
Of bad faith
Disharmony
Good intentions masking
Malice
Soothing words hiding complicity

Where do we stand
What do we do

Our problems seem small
We are not in Guantanamo
Or Baghdad
No Taliban ogres
Or insane Marines

We are in sunny Malaysia
Where the corrupt and avaricious
Lurk behind the façade
Of good intentions
Progress-driven decisions for
World class policies
For human capital

Motivated by the trivial pursuit
Of promotions, greater status,
More power, more say
Lured by promises
Trapped by greed
Our principles hide
Our values whimper
Our actions a gamble

The Law of the Few
Can we make a stand
Will it make a difference
Should we roll over
Should we stand aside

The truth of what is rotten
Cannot be denied

6 July 2006