Several Stations

I visited several stations on my way downtown
Forgot my own language
Had some trouble getting around
In the back of the bodega
I was agreeing with my friend
But with every passing moment there grew
An ambient but unmistakable dread
And the sound of the doorbell sure didn’t help

Like an alarm clock incorporated
Into the end of a dream, I’m adjusting for reality
Saying to myself “just get it together,”
Waking up the faculties

I visited several stations on my way downtown
The keys had vanished but I made it somehow
In the back of the mailroom
There was a line for me to stand in
I meant to get home in time
To take Roy to the garden
But the El was late, and it ruined my day

Every little incident does a number on me
Everything I trusted is gone
I never guessed that I would be able
To betray myself. Well, I was wrong

Not a peep out of you in weeks
Who called me just about every night
When I lived on the island
Did you think you didn’t matter
Enough to hurt someone? Well, you were wrong