The Dream has Changed

They say this house isn’t yours anymore
Where you measured your kids and played games of Risk on the floor
There’s a sign on your lawn and your life’s been boxed away
So people can buy all your hopes, now the dream has changed

It all comes crashing down
The plastic and paper we shaped into a counterfeit crown
Fate stepped in and rearranged everything
Now the dream has changed

You lie awake at night running a recount in your head
The money just isn’t there no matter how late you toss in your bed
The morning’s coming, a mixed blessing of relief and dread
What will you tell the ones you love? Now the dream has changed

It all comes crashing down
The plastic and paper we shaped into a counterfeit crown
Fate stepped in and rearranged everything
Now the dream has changed

In the morning you watch the market edge a little lower
Finish “The Grapes of Wrath” and wonder if we’re going under
You bet the last of your faith on this year's election
Are we too late to be saved? Now the dream has changed

It all comes crashing down
The plastic and paper we shaped into a counterfeit crown
Fate stepped in and rearranged everything
Now the dream has changed

Rush Hour

I swore not to hold the elevator anymore
for the people getting off on the second floor
'cuz when they see that I'm coming
they smile and press the button
to close the doors

A myriad of petty little things
build up each day until I want to scream
so I sigh and mutter expletives
if it doesn't kill me, I guess I'll live
hey I can dream

Instead I'm gonna smile at everyone
even when my coffee burns my tongue
and pedestrians push me out of their way
I won't let it wreck my day
I'll listen to the buskers play
donate my last twenty to a bum

Then I'm gonna make you all into my band
If you can't play guitar you can clap your hands
we'll go walking down the streets
a parade of misfits with damaged beats
until the neighbors stomp their feet
on a day so fair and yet so fleet
we'll sing until we can't stand