Handshake Meets Pokerface

For over half her life she worked from nine to five,
crossing T’s and dotting I’s.
The neon lights can’t hide that she’s lost her shine.

She said the mornings always taste like turpentine.
She said she understands the point of sacrifice,
and so should I.

“Pay cut but it’s a paycheck,
surviving is my best revenge.
What hurt you once won’t hurt you again.”
She meant what she said.

Weathered lines across her face were an even trade.
Fingerprints worn down from over-work and under-pay
at minimum wage.

She said the overtime is worth these aches and pains.
But is it worth the precious time that ticks away
every second every day?

“Pay cut but it’s a paycheck,
surviving is my best revenge.
What hurt you once won’t hurt you again.”
She meant what she said.

She said, woah!
She said, woah!
Woah!
Woah!

For over half her life she walked the straightest line.
She only wanted to provide a future
for my brother and I.

“Pay cut but it’s a paycheck,
surviving is my best revenge.
What hurt you once won’t hurt you again.”
She meant what she said.