Battle of the codes

In their struggle for the good of men
codes appeal to the curiosity of their hosts
appearing in illegible  characters
everyone loves secrets
so what is the harm?

Look at the UPC code of the product you bought
only a scientist understands
but you are hungry and the steak looks marvellous.

It’s cool, man
I’m a code, man
QR man
Aztec man
Binair man
I or 0
power or no
alive or dead
nothing more to be said.