Lard

I am your clock
I am your religion
I am your shotgun mechanical bride
Nothing is done without my approval
I own you
I decide how long you sleep
And how much rest
You are ever allowed
I decide what you desire
I deny you time to think
I am the mirror of constant humiliation
That follows and shadows you
Wherever you go
And blocks out the light
At the end of every tunnel you try
Be on time
Be on schedule
Always feel
Like you're always late
And need more scolding and punishment
Do not daydream
Do not dilly-dally
Do not fall behind
Wings are flapping right behind you
You know what's coming next
As I swoop down like a hungry owl
And sink my talons into your back
And drag you back to square one again
The pain gets a little worse every time
Crash
Crumple
Do not pass go
Do not collect
Your dignity and your self respect
Give up
It's over
No time allowed
To try something you like
The bills were all due yesterday
You've failed
You're through
First we form our habits
Then they form us
We dress up as someone else every day
Gingerbreadhouses
Fireplace surprises
What tastes the best
The witches won't let you have
These days, having a baby
Is like what having a BMW used to be
While they're asleep
Play those New Age cassettes
To transmit subliminal messages
I like mom
I like school
I like to study
I like rules
I am the school teacher
Who yelled at you for not paying attention
And shame you in front of the entire class
And dragged you around the room by the hair
This is what happens to boys and girls
Whose penmanship is messy
Be neat, like the others
Follow orders
Obey what is put in front of you
Imagination is the ultimate sin
You can't be creative the rest of your life
Your counselor wants a word with you
If you liked school, you'll love work
Resign yourself to a job you'll hate