it’s a long way down in the bucket
the winch screams, and creaks, the rope unwinds.
it’s hard enough to know the bottom
and the rains can come at any time.

so be young and take a load off today

the clock is wound sometimes forgotten.
a quarter, half, an hourly chime.
for days you’re having all your wishes
but success can’t buy you any time.

the exits locked the windows boarded.
some g-man blocking the door.
you’ve paid the debts that they’ve acquired
but the fuckers always wanting more.

date: 2006
Todd Johnson