When

 

when the pain comes
drawn from hubris, intensity, and other assorted feelings
it’ll cut as deeply as the blackest of holes

    we shall toast ye as old mate
    legend and warrior
    a sadness persisting

when the punishment comes
drawn from a simple entitlement of payments due
numbness will masks tears masking fears

•

when the day comes to shut it all off
drawn from the culmination of sins and vices
committed against self and society

    we shall toast ye as friend o’ all
    timeless and permanent
    as fake as fool’s gold

when the bookie comes to collect
the piper calling for you to join him
a grim reaper beckoning