I never got the key
to unlock the
mouthpiece of this
saxophone dance hall

and the walkie-talkie
of brushed snare skins
wasn't standard issue

I don't reember
being told to wait
before turning off
the lights

or getting information
about the faulty
sprinklers

there wasn't enough time
to burn it
to the ground

but those who lost
their limbs seemed to have
an understanding with the
trumpet toting black band leader

I've never lost a job
that seemed so simple
to forget

I did, however
blame a dealer
a nightmare
and a mime

just because I failed
to wake up at the
right time.