i live a double life
the second is full of giving
a starving child in africa is still living
because i wake up at six a.m.
or so i've recently come to believe

when i run the same three miles
in the dull hum of the gym
i picture him, my little brother
and the thankless job i do for him
when i finish washing dishes

and just when my ass itches
i scratch it with a smile
knowing that there is that child
that i brought warmth to
with my ways

after all, i fill my days
with seemingly selfish pursuits of meaningless dreams
but don't you dare think it is as it seems
the world bleeds and i am the band-aid
that covers its wounds from the comfort of my chair