Under the Machine

Loud, grinding, heavy
Resting on my shoulders
Oblivious to its support

Hurting, ignoring, depending
I do not exist, yet I support
I hold things together

Running, working, tedium
Like a hamster on a wheel
I continue holding the weight

Sweating, bleeding, swearing
Eyes red with stress and exertion
Conforming to society's standards

Grimacing, glaring, angry
I try to fight; lift the weight
It fights back noisily - wins

Crying, screaming, collapsing
I try to give in, let go
It makes me go on

Annoyed, stressed, suppressed
I cannot fight, I cannot give up
I cannot go on

Resolute, intense, struggling
I will fight - I will win
I will go on

Thinking, feeling, striving
Straining against the bonds
I find I do not conform

Clanking, loud, desperate
I will break out
From under the machine

     - Bem Jones-Bey