they play their scratchies
lottery tickets and poker machines
like it’s their livelihood
but it’s that livelihood that’s dwindling away
you see them crushed
at the hands of chance
for the sake of an assumed better life
and maybe there is one out there
but it will never come from a ticket
it will never develop from luck
or any systems in place
it will just result in a forlorn look
upon life
there is more
always more

safe and warm
such incredible warmth
though the safety is relative
what is safe anyway?
better not to think on it too much
just take the warmth
when that security blanket is offered
all so temporary
all so transient
how does one hold water in their hands
without it leaking
dripping away
where is the certainty

you welcome me
encouragement to walk through the tunnel
into the light
i can't see the source - it's too bright
then i hear that tell-tale sound
metal upon metal
scraping, squealing
and maybe one day
i won't jump out of the way
i won't just get grazed
but let the wheels grind over me
where is the light now?
not even a pinpoint
no shadows cast
even they can't last forever

tongue ripped out
she’ll keep that for herself
no recourse left now
in this empty cleft
pass away
explanation time
there’ll be no bother nor purpose
and silence is golden
his words too much
fuelled and terrifying
the truth is always a source of fear
of that there is no denying
so break down opportunity
pass away
confusion time
pass away

her strength is a thing of wonder
and her tenacity inspires
it’s respect that fuels his love
not only desire

though of course she’s a source
of untold attraction
a font of splendour
a source of pure satisfaction

though sometimes she forgets
that she needs some support
someone without judgement
to whom she can report

and let herself go
let her emotions express
one to whom she can cling
in moments of duress

his love for her
knows no conditions
and he will always be there
when offered the invitation

his sadness is desperate
when she suffers turmoil
but he’d always rather know
and would never recoil

she is his everything
his world embodied
there will never be another
not mind, soul nor body

there’s nothing else i know
except hating on myself
and i’ll hate you as well
if you even dare to care

conflict the likes of which
you’ll never know
so stop before you pretend
and there can be no more amends

here’s the excuse you’ve waited for
to turn your tail and run
i’ll even give you a head start
before i hunt you down for fun

’cause you know i’ll sniff you out
just by the stench of your lies
and then rather than nestled in my arms
at my clawed hands you’ll cry

yes, here’s the excuse you’ve waited for
to turn your tail and run
i’ll even give you a head start
before i hunt you down for fun

i place my happiness
in your hands
i know it’s dangerous
but i do so anyway

loving despite everything
desperate to serve
trying to deserve

and i’ll die this way
in your hands
’til you cast my shell away
resigned