Otto, Against The Grain Poem by Nicki Friis

Once upon a time there was a young lad named Otto
Who was just a Gen Zer, yes it was his lot
He grew up thinking nice was the only way to go
And so spirituality was the one thing he knew

He read books of Zen and practiced meditation
Full of good intentions and a new generation
He shared his space with all with no discrimination
But then realized that what he heard wasn't the manifestation

Of how this world truly works, no matter how much he tried
To find a moral compass, he just felt crucified
So then he decided he needed to make a stand
And go against the grain, yes, be a nice guy with a plan!

He decided to be different and assert his own voice
Say no to conformity, let himself have a choice
Rise up from the ashes, forget the world's advice
Chart his own course and practice spiritual exercise

Yes, our Otto came to realize
That nice guys don't always finish last
But for those who decide to strive
Something greater awaits in their path!