Same Bad Friends

Same bad friends come over again
And take turns asking how you've been
And it burns to break it down slow
If it was this bad, you should have just said so

Turn up late, shirt shrunken again
A half-smile traced in dusty skin
Soft skills and delicate words
To cover up cracks and rust in the armor

But now they see you stretching your sleeves
Carving details off your disease
You had blisters, now you just bleed
You were special

And when intention sharpens your teeth
Your profession garbles your speech
Burning breaths that choke back belief
You were special

Frigid fingers fumble in
Airtight pockets, worn from wondering
You had time to turn out precious
Now you have less, it seems you’re just reckless

Same bad friends come over again
And coax out the worst about you
'Cause when you speak in spurts and stammers
The curtains crash down on what you were after

And now it's patience grasping your neck
Now it’s business gripping your chest
Your restraint compels you to rest
You were special

Your protectors bless your good deeds
Your successors live to succeed
You'll repress whatever you read

Hide out, measure the mess
Trust the nice family cutting the checks
Ride out nevertheless
To find your bad friends impressed with your progress