It's Real

I woke up stiff, blinds half-broken, air stale Keys on the table, rent notice by noon One sock by the sink, the other by the bed Front door stuck; I had to lean in with my shoulder Phone lit up: landlord, same warning again Cold coffee on the counter, no sugar left Pulled on my work jacket and checked my pockets Card, bus pass, twenty-three cents Pavement all cracked, had to watch where I stepped Block was already moving — trucks, dogs, kids, brakes Even saying my own name came out rough Like I’d been quiet too long Out here on the block, it’s real Every day comes with something you feel I keep my head down, keep moving still Out here on the block, it’s real The L train came packed and then sat in the heat Guy on the corner selling water for a dollar I grabbed the last orange from a bruised-up crate Cashier said I was short before I even asked Battery low, and my patience worse Two missed texts, one call from a number I know Ain’t got much cushion, just a mattress and bills Still I lace up slow and head back out Tried to stay calm, but the whole block was tense One kid in cuffs, one tow truck blocking traffic I’m on this corner with a flyer in my hand Sirens passed by, and I kept it moving Out here on the block, it’s real Every day comes with something you feel I keep my head down, keep moving still Out here on the block, it’s real One more shift, then I’m home One more bill, and I’m still here If I look worn out, don’t read into it That’s just work, and the rent don’t care I woke up late, had a date with the rent Grocery bag handle snapped like "that’s life" Boss hit my phone like "you good?" — "I’m surviving" Tried to look fresh, got dressed in a rush My wallet got skinny, my patience got thinner Tried to act smooth, but I tripped on the curb Took the bus down, seat broke at the middle Old man nodded like “life is a riddle” My phone on one percent, my hopes on two Got three bad texts and a group chat too Ain’t got no fortune, just fortune cookie crumbs I tried meditation, got mad at my knees I’m one pay stub from glory One cracked smile from a story If you see me limping through Just know I’m laughing too Out here on the block, it’s real Every day comes with something you feel I keep my head down, keep moving still Out here on the block, it’s real Out here on the block, it’s real Every day comes with something you feel I keep my head down, keep moving still Out here on the block, it’s real