(Verse 1) Letter came with careful words “Congratulations,” “subject to” A future promised, penciled in If the timing happens to suit They said “wait,” like waiting’s free Like rent don’t knock, like debt can’t see Like months don’t cost, like lives don’t stall Behind a desk, behind a wall (Pre-Chorus) Accepted—but not secure Invited—but unsure They shook my hand, then turned away Said “you’ll know soon,” wouldn’t say when (Chorus) Externally accepted, standing still Bills due now, futures on hold They say “trust us,” like trust pays rent Like faith is legal tender Externally accepted, half inside One foot over, one denied If I fall, that’s on me If I stay broke, that’s policy (Verse 2) Classes start, the clock runs fast Tuition waits for no one’s past They ask for money, ask for time Before they’ll say if I’m actually mine They call it risk, call it normal Say “everyone goes through this portal” But portals close if you can’t afford To stand outside them anymore (Pre-Chorus) I asked a question, calm and clear “What happens if the answer’s ‘no’?” They changed the subject, smiled polite Like that wasn’t a life they’d thrown (Chorus) Externally accepted, standing still Bills due now, futures on hold They say “trust us,” like trust pays rent Like faith is legal tender Externally accepted, half inside One foot over, one denied If I fall, that’s on me If I stay broke, that’s policy (Bridge – quiet, almost spoken) They don’t see risk when it’s not theirs They don’t see debt in borrowed air They don’t see how a single delay Can close a door you can’t replay You’d think someone with an MA Wouldn’t gamble another year’s pay On a maybe, on a shrug On “we’ll get back to you” (Final Chorus) Externally accepted, say it straight Why does entry come so late? Why does security cost more Than the work I’ve already done before? Externally accepted, hear me now This isn’t flexibility—it’s how You filter out who can’t afford To wait in silence anymore (Outro) I wasn’t asking for certainty. Just not to be ruined By the waiting.
