Downward

We are drowning
Born into a world that does not forgive
Like babies dropped into the water
Grasping for straws, we learn to crawl
Screaming for help, we learn to talk
Trying to stay afloat, we learn to hold our breath
Still we are drowning
slowly sinking downward
in time

We are drowning ourselves
Running from a world that does not nourish
Like lottery winners that have lost all purpose
Gasping in pain, we learn to swallow
Stifling the nausea, we learn to smile
Trying to forget the light, we learn to close our eyes
Still we are drowning
slowly sinking downward
in time

We are drowning each other
Fighting in a world that does not respect
Like addicts over the last shot
Flailing in desparation, we learn to punch and kick
Reaching for affection, we learn to choke and nick
Trying to get ahead, we learn to leap over bodies
Still we are drowning
slowly sinking downward
in time

We are drowning alone
withering in a world that does not flourish
Like infirms in the infirmary
Treating our weakness, we learn to breathe through tubes
Tired and sleepless, we learn to stare at loops
Trying to change the world, we learn to turn on our side
Still we are drowning
slowly sinking downward
in time