Red Tape, Red Tape

Red tape, red tape,
it’s everywhere today.

The more we try to
sort it out, the harder
it becomes to get away.

I’ve dealt with red tape
today that wasn’t even mine,
and found myself
defensive when they
seemed to think
I was lyin’.

I know that policies, procedures,
rules, and laws,
are meant to be
for our own good,
but like I told my mother once,
when she tried to give me
iron tonic to build me up
for my own good,
if this is what it takes to live
and be all safe and sound,
I think I’ll just pass on this one,
and catch the second round.

©Elaine Wood-Lane
2/18/15