Watch the koi in the pond, Together as one they swim around, Checking the old watch realize I must go. Forty hours a week catching a train Just to ease financial strain Every cog must break their back, So that the machine does not lack Each according to a need, But my boss has no sympathy, Punching the clock, running in place Chasing it down, losing the race When the tunnel comes closer, Pause and see the light, Mold, shift, and change your skills, Still there’s nothing that feels right…. Watch the koi in the pond, Together as one they swim around, Checking the old watch, realize I must go.

[instrumental]

The more things stay, the more they change, What was two is now one combined. Moguls visit space on their lunch break, For the rest, land, sea, and air leave no escape. When I was born, so much promise in the air, All the world connected, we could travel anywhere, An entire galaxy shone before my newborn eyes, The board was open, but its freedom was disguised. Space is going fast, the king will be in check, No gambit will save him When the world turns from red to black ———————————————————————————————————————————— As I gaze on the Imperial Jaguar, The Lady rests on her knees, Remembering one more place the British moon will never glow, Sweet sugar as black as coal, Though freedom’s sun shines, There’s still a storm off the coast As I gaze on the Imperial Jaguar, A symphony emerges from the wind, Hundreds of sedans at the ready, Lights flashing, engines purring, Famous rides smooth and steady. The pride of English racers came to our abode, Stayed many years and then was gone. Community means nothing to the almighty dollar, Picking up pieces, it builds the tower higher.

[instrumental]

Is it too much to ask for enough? The years’ sharp edges dig into everything A poorly-acted tragedy, watching skin sag and hair turn grey Whose fault or not, I should change It’s a burden to be here like this Verse 1: The cab turned around and left me When you pay all the tolls it gets messy All this time, thought I was someone mature enough to love everyone The answer’s simple I’m not all I’m cracked up to be . I’m just a sad man sitting in a chair, drinking red tea We all come and go We all come and go Verse 2: Golden Shining like your permanent state of mind I can never find the time to see you all Traveling across this lonely world From sea to shining sea In search of something to hold Verse 3: Strange feeling, this emptiness, Suppressing my own success For a future wrapped inside A shell of bitterness and longing Verse 4: I keep my eyes closed, and my life small, Shutting out everything Except bright lights for dopamine It’s a burden to exist like this Verse 5: The same is worse than rock bottom Because you can live there for as long as you want Verse 6: I made myself first, now I am last Disappearing into static and detritus Losing my reflection in the mirror—tonight is…. Verse 7: Strange wisdom from the belly of a beast with one desire Roiling and turning with Promethean ire, Holding firm despite it all, The loyal angels did not fall I’m not the first to fail this way Taking your hand, I’ll make the most of my stay, until the ancient winds come and scatter “today”