The Prelude (April 2, 2018)

Bring forth the contract

Let me inspect think and thin

I dotted my I's and crossed my T's

when I signed the line I signed the death of me

Like a dog chained to a heater

The heat is on and it's summer time

A slow and uncessary death

My last name brings me shame

My household in flames 

behind the wheel I smile

Fresh air heaven sent

A new perspective radical sentiment

The chain around my neck

Couldn't get any hotter 

Can death be FedExed?

At least till death do us apart

I wish to live a long life

I wish to smile

I wish to have family 

I wish all the while

It's the little hope I have

Self laden mortality 

Sad seepin reality 

Everyday a buffet of misery 

Men they say "keep your wife happy"

A happy wife is a happy life

So true to the wife who is happy

For no price and though toil can a man bring her to this state

A happy wife is a happy life

But what about the mad wife

No one mentions her...?

Ah her husband never lived to tell

He died early...awe rough life

Let his death speaks of the misery

Though I suppose maybe he's finally happy?Who knows?

Seems like death rewarded him

Till she joins him in heaven too

You'll see it on his face

When she comes knocking on them stoney gates

Please don't find my wife in the book of life

The man mumurs and pleads

Remembering his life his wish not for eternity

Though his heart condemns him 

His mind tells him death has done them apart 

Fella wants a fresh start in a new life

Unfortunately for him she's still his wife.

Now he dies again this time in his soul

Noe imagine killing a soul

The heart still beats but the feelings are gone

From life to existence merely no joy

Like a dog chained to a heater 

The time drags on spoiling the air

Poor dog gasping for air

Panting and sweating he howls

Before folding his arms and bowing his head

Preparing for the long sleep ahead

Collector Jen

Collector Jen 

Ohh nooo, ohh no

It's 8 again

I dread the ring tone

It's collector Jen

When she calls 

the conversation's well scripted

"who am I speaking with

any objections to the call?

Just to let you know,

I'm recording it all.

and in case your wonderin'

My name is collector Jen

"This is an attempt to collect a debt"

it's not personal it's how I earn my check

"Your account is several payments due

we accept debit, check, and money orders too!"

"Oh and if you hang up

we'll keep on calling you!

You can run but you can't hide

we know your family"

Patiently I waited for her to end her Verbiage

Don't like to admit it I had been baited 

when the local number flashed my screen

I answered with the green

Had I known it was collector Jen

my phone would have ringed

let her call again

it doesn't matter to me

She thinks a voicemail concise and sweet

would entice me to use the re-dial feat

but I'm a winner, a master player

I know this game, I've played before

I know how it goes

"Sir, can you at least make a partial payment?"

"No!......"

"Well can't you borrow from someone you know?"

"Your...your name is Jen right?.."

"Right!"

"Well I uh..I think we've gotten well acquianted

it's almost like we know each other...

I want to say Jen, I'm broke can you lend a hand?

But say no more! You know my case!"

You see my answer to that is if ya'

gonna ask me to borrow from family, friends, or someone else

just to rob Peter to pay Paul...you know it goes

well then let's start with you

Can you fund me? GoFundme? Western Union me?

Naw naw, see I knew you were too stingy

Ahh I see it's cause it's me, you don't know me enough

Right? So why do you think it's fair

To ask a silly question like that?

Oh you get paid? I do too...

But I have bills you know...

those things that come every month?

I'm sure you can relate...

like every pay date

why not wait?

I might be paying late

"We'll take you to court"

"Go right ahead, I'll take an unpaid

keep the hearing from being delayed

You know there is only one way this is gonna go"

"I cannot give what I don't have

"You're too invested

become uninterested"

(written 01/2/2017)