Slave

 I came into this world 

bare backed!

I will leave this world 

bare backed!

I am a slave 

living in a delusion 

of freedom.

I spent childhood in preparation 

to wear a noose around my neck. 

It tightens and loosens 

with the days of the month. 

I am drowning from pay check to pay check.

The roof over my head,

my wheels of travel, 

the clothes on my back 

(I have no bragging rights).

I forge ahead 

from 9 to 5.

I am a mule for my masters.

I came into this world bare backed!

I will leave this world bare backed!

Death will free me from this noose.