A Lifer’s Legacy

By Loni E. Krick

Someone bought me a ticket and threw me on a ride,

But there’s no getting off till the day I die.

Endlessly spinning, circling and spiraling;

A sick merry-go-round, of sorts.

The ride is fast, never slowing for anyone

It just keeps on going, year after year.

The rumors, the lies, the playing and all;

Till you just can’t take anymore.

There’s hustling and promises that never come true.

There’s caring and sharing from hearts made of stone.

There are so many games and stories to hear,

That you just can’t tell if anyone’s sincere.

Little by little, you lose all your wits,

And find yourself trapped, a part of the ride.

You get on unwillingly, trying to get off,

But you find yourself helping to give it a turn.

You are part of that merry-go-round,

A horse that cannot move,

As everyone rides you and you dance to a tune.

Is there no end to this madness in here?

Or do I just keep on spinning,

Till the ride is me, too?

I’m tired of fighting to get off this ride.

So I’ll just sit back, close my eyes, and

hide in this system of fear.