Twenty Four Hours of Lemmings

Start your Keurig!

Fill your tank.

Start your v tech!

Climb your rank.

A cup of Joe—

your engine's antifreeze.

Your news cycle flows to the time we keep.

And the green flag flies

and the lights go out

as the sun begins to shine.

And we are synchronized,

but I’m not satisfied!

I want to lead!

Ahead of turn one, but behind the next three.

And the good day begins to slip,

yet our hands still grip

that notorious wheel.

Lunch break comes—

hit the brain brake, then go numb.

Refuel to return to the mile

one half hour— a chance to redial.

Forgo your pit stop; lose your hold

The grip of that spinning wheel.

Only the most insane souls

remain in control.

Left turn? My turn!

Yours comes afterwards.

Left turn again!

Cut the apex, full send.

And the goodyears go bald,

yet we all waltz

around that wheel

And turn four appears—

the wars end is near.

Yet, in the dark night, we wallow

for we will all be here tomorrow

Down in flames, we’ll go together

our draft we follow

this forever header

is an endless chase

It’s a damn shame,

this time we measure

for nothing changes

in subsequent days

of this human race.

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Written by Kristian Zenz

Artwork by Kristian Zenz

Nine to Five: Poetry and Art releases September 5.