Bruv, it’s mad — sun ain’t up yet, Eyes half shut, still pullin’ espresso sweat. Name tag flashin’, queue’s already thick, Got folks with moods that switch too quick. “Latte, babe?” I chirp with a grin, Bloke scrolls Insta, don’t clock me in. Girl in pink coat goes, “It’s too cold!” I’m like, “Yeh, love, milk’s hot — hold bold.” Drip tray floodin’, card won’t tap, Manager sighs, I take the slap. But bills don’t wait, nor rent, nor fees, So I breathe, serve up, pretend at ease. Uni dreams on layaway plan, Still smilin’ sweet ‘cause I can, I can. Shift to sip — same girl, new drip, Coffee to cocktails, flip that script. Face stay calm while the world do bits, Shift to sip — that’s how she lives. Neon buzz, crowd all wavey, I’m pourin’ pints for lads half crazy. “Oi, darlin’, smile!” — yeah, heard that twice, I laugh it off, but inside ain’t nice. One gal cryin’ by the jukebox side, Boy done ghosted, broke her pride. I pass her a mocktail, “chin up, hun,” She grins through tears, “cheers, you one.” Drunk lad stumbles, spills my tray, Still I pour — rent don’t pay. Got class at nine, no sleep, no nap, But I spit these bars like a therapy rap. From oat milk foam to gin and lime, Same girl graftin’ overtime. City don’t care who’s on their grind, Still, I hold line, ‘cause this life’s mine. Shift to sip — two shifts, one soul, Same tired eyes, same control. From buzz to bass, I lose, I win, Clock out slow — then it starts again. Bus seat cold, streetlights blink, Pay hit late, still I think. One more month, bills in line, One more dream — might make it mine. Shift to sip — day to night, Still that girl, still that fight.
