Closing The Books

Banished once again
A couple thousand to my name
Given by a boss with a lisp
Contrite in his heart

They need someone
Might as well be you he said
Stars on your knees, cross your heart
We give until nothing is left

Sat in my favorite bar
Took a drink, ate a little salad
Wore my best clothes for the last time
Kissed her quiet lips goodbye

It’s what it is baby
Can’t predict what life does
So while I go you become somebody

Get done up pretty
Spare no tears just chin up
Maybe someday I’ll be back around

The bars were worn
Rusty yet had stories to tell
Broken hilt, drag marks on the floor
My reward for staying true

So I paced the concrete
Mingle with killers and agitators
The corrupt haggle me still
The law laughs it up

My cell gets smaller
The sound of shivs get louder
Dead men brawl like rats
So I write you back

It’s what it is baby
Can’t predict what life does
So while I go you become somebody

Get done up pretty
Spare no tears just chin up
Maybe someday I’ll be back around

Three years gone by
When a knife flayed my tendon
Two men descended from behind me
I fought back, bled them too

Kneeling in a wet mess
My flesh pulped up, hanging red
The court alive with people
All I do is laugh aloud

Now I could have died
Bedridden and with time to wonder
Debts, testimonies, losing all
I think about you again

It’s what it is baby
Can’t predict what life does
Know I disappointed you all my life

Honey I’m still here
Hope time treats you better
You’ve kept me alive all these years

I’d rewrite the ending if I could