I am a juggler

World class and running out of hands

Losing balance as the clock applauds

Violently behind me. 

 

Time, like sleep is an unattainable luxury

Something saved for the far more fortunate

But not me–

 

Me:

A student

A teacher

Musician and critic

 

I scoop ice cream to buy eggs and water

Rice and beans–

a budgetary vegetarian

 

I am losing it;

Tripping over razor blades and

Begging for a break

Paying for my education

With bad rhymes, future debt

And maxed out credit

 

It’s not enough now is it?

 

I can’t afford to get sick

And I’m sick of it

Can’t afford shit on an empty stomach–

And you tell me that it’s worth it…

 

Tell me, is it worth it?