It appeared in the things you would never know.
Someone wrote it on the walls you would never bring down.
The obsession you fed every day applauded and justified the effort.
Your actions - so harsh - would continue to haunt
Those who watched you while you thirsted for the future.
Unintentionally, you inflicted deep wounds upon yourself
With every plan for tomorrow.

It lingers in the realms of what you never think about.
Tired of wanting recognition, it surrendered to anonymity.
Practically nonexistent, it decided that fame was not overrated.
It was just too damn hard to achieve in a lifetime,
But you never wondered what a lifetime really meant.
You never noticed the meanings clinging to the corners.

It thrives in the way you work yourself so cruelly
Although there is really no point, no reward despite your panic.
You need to move; you need to leave behind the you of before,
The you of yesterday, of an hour ago, of a single second previously.
A time to stop, to rest, and to replenish your drained soul
Was never allowed. Such a thing was inconceivable.

It torments you in all of your dreams.
Somewhere, subconsciously, you understand the truth.
You dream that you keep dying, and the angels that come only say,
“Stiff drums don’t beat, babe, so stop seeking your rhythm.”
But you will never listen. You will run through life and strain.
Sadly, some things are inexorable, love. Eventually, you must pause.
One day you know that something will stop you before you can finish.