I wake up early, beat the sun,
Another workday has begun.
Coffee strong and traffic wild,
But I just smile—I'm salary-styled. 😅

I clock in time, I do my best,
Meet deadlines, emails, zero rest.
Meetings here, reports to chase,
All just to win the monthly race.

Then finally—it’s payday bliss!
A moment every worker won’t miss.
But when I open my payslip wide,
I almost laugh (or cry) inside.

“Gross Pay: Amazing.” But wait—what’s this?
SSS, PhilHealth, and tax? What a twist!
My net pay shrinks, it’s kinda rough,
Like buying steak, then getting just fluff.

Withholding tax? I see the slice,
Did I work for me—or pay the price?
I know it helps the nation's run,
But can’t they leave a bit more fun?

I planned a dinner, steak and wine,
But instant noodles will do just fine.
Shopping plans? Delayed again—
Thanks to tax, I count my yen. 🥲

Still, I hope my tax is used
For schools, for roads—not just abused.
Not lost in pockets deep and dark,
But spent to leave a proper mark.

So every month, with heart and grit,
We pay our dues and do our bit.
For though the cut may make us blue,
We still push through—because we do.