The monkey chattered in my ears
his laughter became my tears.
A dry cackle that slipped through
each and every link that shackled me
and bound me to futility.

I called him Manny
mainly because it wasn't funny to give him a name at all
but strange things happen to those that fall beside the wayside.
There was no parable to make my life bearable
no miracles and no burning bush
the monkey pulled while I pushed or perhaps the other way round
until finally worn down to the ground
Manny decided it would be quicker to walk and bid me goodbye.

I wonder why I fed him for so long
right or wrong that's what I did
but now he's gone there's more for me
and I can see
that I am greedy too.
What is there left to do but fill my head
with thoughts of the living and of those that are dead
and decide into which category I fit.

To bite the bullet or take the bit
and cut one's cloth so it will fit
is the order of my day.
Manny's gone and I am on my way
hip hip hip
hooray.