We run marathons to be still; 
we build cities to be alone.

We waste time to be productive; 
we waste money to get rich.

We create noise to find signal; 
we create drama to find calm.

We propagate hate to signal virtue; 
we hurt loved ones in pursuit of love.

We empower dictators to foster freedom; 
we fight wars to protect peace.

We use control to teach agency; 
we use dogma to teach creativity.

We seek validation to find purpose; 
we reaffirm biases to grow.

We drug ourselves to get clear; 
we lie to ourselves to tell the truth.

There are two parts within each of us, 
working for us and against each other.

Divided by the ego, united by the self, 
but repelling one another to keep us sane.

We have this illusion of control, 
we think we know ourselves.

But if we aren’t aware of their conflict 
and learn to love each part,

They will run us against ourselves, 
and we’ll be eternally lost.