Smile

You're going to learn to smile and stand up straight Firm, but not too firm, handshake Don't burn a bridge or stay up late You'll work a bit to fill your plate So a drink or two's okay (You've got to live) But moderate and then hydrate Give and give and rarely take Talk less, listen more, they say Take up a cause! Engage! Engage! Never tell a lie Embrace each day Stand up for what is right and teach my kids to do the same But I can't even eat Or sleep Or know myself Read a book or ask for help The rent is late, I think, oh well I'm spent, I'm spent It's cold in hell You let the water run and found a glass half empty You try to lift it up and at first it seems easy But the years they pass, and your arms they shake When the weight gives way The spilled glass drips like the levee breaks But how could you feel so alone? I checked the rooms, your family's home I did the math, I read the page There's just no sense that you could make Your friends are gone, or half awake When heaven's owed, there's hell to pay