The World Looks Different Now

(Verse 1) I walked past the corner bakery, Fluorescent lights buzzing low. The cashier said “Next,” without looking— Like someone calling cues in a show. A laugh cut through the morning line, Two strangers trading a phrase— And suddenly the street outside Felt staged in ordinary ways. (Pre-Chorus) I didn’t change the street at all— Just the way I hear it. (Chorus) The world looks different now, Like a stage without a cue. I see the tape marks on the sidewalk Where the shadows filter through. Every doorway holds an entrance, Every pause holds something small— Nothing louder than before, Just harder to ignore. (Verse 2) Rust climbing up the bus stop rail, A rhythm in the crossing light. Someone arguing on a phone Like rehearsal done in plain sight. The hum of a freezer motor Sits somewhere near G-flat— I’m standing there with groceries And accidentally writing that. (Pre-Chorus 2) It isn’t wonder working— It’s attention stretched too wide. (Chorus) The world looks different now, Like a set that never ends. People walk through scenes all day Without knowing they’re in them. Every glance suggests a moment, Every pause could shift the ground— Nothing louder than before, Just harder to tune out. (Bridge) I thought the work stayed in a notebook, Quiet lines I could contain. But the street keeps handing fragments That follow me again. I close the book, the scene keeps moving, Turn away—it’s still allowed. Once you start observing closely, You don’t get to shut it down. (Final Chorus) The world looks different now, Not brighter—just more near. Little things stand out in places I had passed for years. Same old streets and shopfront windows, Same tired little town— Nothing changed about the world… I just can’t stop noticing now.