You are the only consistent male voice
In my ear since birth

And the most important thing you taught 
Me was to follow the voice of my own
Conscience – hang the consequence! –

And it’s complicated.

Sometimes I don’t recognise you anymore.
You have become the rockstar-in-a-box that 
You invented to mock your critics. Mocking and being
Are two completely different things – black leather,
Sunglasses, philosophy soundbites for the media
To dangle from, A-list flattery – it doesn’t always look good
On you.

But we are seldom as black-and-white simple as anything
Called “hero” – and listening to our conscience can lead us to
Situations that appear on the outside to be hypocritical.
I’m not a child anymore. I know compromise is not a dirty word
All the time. And I never wanted you in shining armor.

No one can shine in blinding camera flash lightning.

This is not my country. My country
Is not of this earth. I can’t do what you 
Taught me and what you tell me. 
Because they are not the same to me.

I will do and say and think things 
Others think are wrong. Things you 
Think are wrong. I won’t fly flags 
Or pick sides. I’m not here for that.
This is not my country.

And I will follow the voice of my own
Conscience – whatever the consequence! –

I hope you see yourself in that choice,
Even if you don’t understand the particulars:
You taught me that.