I know a man who locks himself inside His head, his conversations, tucked away Behind a maze of cheer. Each day, he's lied A thousand times. He clocks out for the day And, free but weary, sheds the mask for sleep. I start the day with coffee, bitter, black, Which suits my mood just fine. I earn my keep, then turn around and give until I lack. The coffee doesn't last, and by the end I've found myself a stronger, harder drink. I watch him bottle workdays up, my friend, And brew himself instead. I'd like to think We both get by. That doesn't do much good. This place devours us and drinks our blood.
Apologies to Talib Kweli and anyone who hates eye rhyme.