I'm not overtly averse to the idea that we're free to chose
That our interpretation defines whether we win or lose
That the lesson embedded in our supposed defeat
Only when unlearnt gets played out on repeat

And there's much to the philosophy of pulling up your socks
To see obstacles as challenges, and positivise the knocks
To make a plan and be your own knight on a white horse
And weather all setbacks simply as a matter of course

For life we know is hard and each get their share
No life without its sorrow, no freedom from care
That pity directed at and feeling sorry for self
Is housed on a dangerous ledge, an empty shelf

So key to impress not being defined by circumstances
To grab at opportunities and create your own chances
To move on, to get motivated and find and follow a goal
And pour your best into it heart and soul

Except we should take care not to diminish or deny
That background and environment can be difficult to defy
For when the expression of engagement is slanted
The impact of socialisation cannot be discounted

Thus whilst neutrally-seeming the choice should be ours
Past and present reality house influential powers
Privelege should be checked, context explored
Even capitalising is impossible when access is ignored

And never underestimate lack's ability to stifle creativity
Or creativity's harsh tax when subjugated to sensibility
That survival's demands and often dire-seeming needs
Makes it difficult to see the seeds for the weeds

So certainly let's affirm and make a helluva noise
Around any issue concerning freedom of choice
But when you buy all that stuff about living in the flow
Know not all get the choice of contract or pay-as-you-go

SP

04*03*2014