David Fleming
It's All Academic   www.davidflemingsite.com   
On The Way Down

Circa 1983?

Oh, I was so proud.

I sacrificed humility.

I was above the crowd

And below me now, some clown

Who can not stop for help

On the way down.

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You have heard it all before

perhaps, a million times.

I have said it all before.

I am the man of the same old lines.

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Often I ranted and raved,

As sure as I was,

But my road was paved with distrust.

Now, a painted frown 

Is on the scared face of a man

On the way down.

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I convinced myself of fame.

It was a near-fatal hit,

But that soon was overcome by a final guilt.

Now, a black suit and gown

Is on the pale body of a man

On the way down.

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You have heard it all before

perhaps, a million times.

I have said it all before.

I am the man of the same old lines.

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I tried to be right.

I tried morality and prayers.

The setting of sights for a sooth-sayer

Are now on some clown

Who can not stop for help

On the way down.