Switch Point

Thoughts on why we continue to accept societal norms and systems that no longer serve us whether it be personal (careers, relationships) or as a society (governmental, economic and belief systems). Maybe a cheesy train metaphor that runs on and on will help you envision a better future.  This is still pretty rough and needs major editing/shortening, but you'll get the drift. 
 
When a train jumps the tracks
Changes directions
Or re-routes,
It's either seen as a
pre-programmed switch point
or a
derailment.
​
What the difference really comes down to
is who’s driving the train.
 
Much is the same in how we conduct 
The path we’re on in life-
The relationships we have,
The places we live or travel to,
The habits we keep,
The careers we choose to endure.
 
The trains of today are most often run by computers.
Apparently that takes the pressure off the drivers-
allows them not really have to critically think
Or consider the impact
Of the path they're on
or why.
 
If the driver falls asleep,
Supposedly the computer ensures
safety.
Yet in reality it might be
That if there’s a glitch in the system,
Or dangerous conditions ahead warrant a change in course,
a pivot
or a manual redirection, if you will,
The train driver’s only way to self-preservation
to avoid collision or disaster is
to override the system.

What the difference really comes down to is whether the driver is willing to consider and opt for another outcome. 
 
I’ve noticed this happening within the minds
and lives of many people lately.
For years, they've been going through the motions,
traveling through time,
no questions or commotion coming
from their engine or the caboose.
Until now.
 
Perhaps it’s the sudden realization
That soon they’ll be out of tracks.
Maybe when they  really look out those train windows,
and truly grasp the myriad of possible points with which they could've
taken a different path, 
grasped the places, people and experiences 
passed by, lost and left behind
before they hit
their last stop.
 
Those reading this might even think
this silly little train metaphor
is about them
(and it could be), 
But it’s really about a collective awakening,
A conscious unapologetic unacceptance,
A rejection of ruling foundations
that no longer serve 
greater good
or 
soothe the soul.   
  
And isn’t it thrilling to imagine
where it all could lead?
If we stopped worrying
or being imprisoned by the fear
Of ditching the well-worn trail,
And instead hit the switch point, 
the pull lever back and instead
clear a new path
of most resistance?

What the difference might be is how bad the driver wants to hit the brakes to save himself. 
 
We're at a cross-roads now,
Both at the soul level and as a society.
As the maddening drone of the same churning wheels turn,
Making the same calculated squeaky stops
And passing the same dull ineffective scenes play over again
along the way,
What humanity aches for most in this life, in this world
Is a new approach.
 
Imagine
grabbing the wheel, pulling the levers and screaming
STOP- I want to get off!
Stepping off the platform now,
waving goodbye as the wind rushes up
and  a blaring horn sounds,
jarring  from behind,
as a new train pulls into the station.

A momentary ache of nostalgia 
as one looks back,  some stay on and some will
join to catch a final glimpse of the past 
as the familiar fades
and an anxious exhilaration sets in.
Fresh breath of freedom fills the lungs
As they board the next train
switching directions in real time, 
upward and onward they go.

So, what's the difference for you,
Who’s driving your train? 
Are you ready to get off 
Or are you one of the ones
still asleep at the switch?