Payment

A look at a system forged long ago, To keep us working without our soul.

Many years I passed through the storm.
Life without peace or love became the norm.
Yet, I was violently thrown out,
Kicked hard, put down, and tossed about.

On the day I awoke, my mind was clear.
And all the words spoke, I could hear.
I found those words not so mean,
And I lived my life like the others I'd seen.

Soon I was glad; not a frown on my face.
No need to be sad when not sick in the place.
Chains fell down as ideas came to me.
I struggled much but could still feel the breeze.

In my high I met a man,
Who told me things I couldn't understand.
He said I had to work to be able to pay,
Pay for my life and pay for my play.

When I agreed he told me I had to learn,
Learn how to work then pay would come in turn.
I, loving life, desired deeply to be taught.
So I found a school and knowledge I sought.

When at the school they told me to pay,
Though not enough work had I done before that day.
"I have no money but need to learn for cash."
"You can get loans and pay them off fast!"

When finally I finished, I had dug a hole.
A hole of debt that had a toll.
Though now I could work and hopeful I became,
I could pay off my debt and much money I would gain.

Many years passed and finally I was free,
Free of the debt and those controlling me.
Though now I am old with no energy for fun,
Life was so simple when not on the run.

Old and weak, I became sad,
I think back to the storm, was it so bad?