It is much safer in the herd
 for wolves will travel too in packs;
 we learn the litany of guard
 in order to avoid attacks

But only if we're conscious: for
 we often do not hear the voice
 that tells us what we ought to think
 before awareness knows it's choice.

But tiresome it can become
 outside the wars, when walls of words
 come streaming at us, without thought:
 in fact, real chirping, from real birds

Makes much more sense. For this is wrong:
 pre-owned opinions, unlike song,
 are repetition without beauty,
 skipping out on basic duty

To think by, and for, ourselves.
 So look around, now. Do you care
 about the subject of the day,
 or do your thoughts go anywhere,

And everywhere, as your heart leads?
 It's not that we can't think alike,
 but do make sure you're thinking, first;
 don't let your own mind go on strike

In order to eat pre-digested
 thought, more strongly said than tested,
 words designed to rile, inflame,
 to cast aspersion, doubt, or blame

Instead of to investigate.
 We must not wear the secret fetter,
 but trust our own eyes, heart, brain,
 so we can, as we should,

 be better