Beat Down Poem by david holden

I used to be the man of the house
the ruler of my children the lover of my spouse.
I used to be the man with a plan I could lay down new floors I could install new fans.
I used to be the man that went to work everyday that loved his job and enjoyed his good pay.
I used to be the man that was fun to be around quick with a joke and act like a clown.
I used to be the man that had dreams and ambitions I would one day be a superintendent and own a 370Z with manual transmission.
I used to be the man that had hope now the only way I get through my day is to take lots of dope.
I used to be the man but now I'm not my ambition is gone the dreams have stopped.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I don't go to work anymore and most days I don't even step outside the door.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I stay tired all day and way too sore to play and I no longer blurt out a good joke I just lay in bed and tell her I hurt.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I'm sometimes able to get up and see my wife off to work and that's when I realize this isn't a joke I can no longer do what is required of me so I just get depressed and stare at the tv.
I used to be the man but now I'm not and it's not fair that my wife must worry all day that her broken down husband is sittin home with no pay as the bills pile up so does her stress all I can do is think this is all my mess.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I can't bend lift or twist to help with the chores I'm really not much help around here anymore.
I used to be the man but now I'm not how can a man be the head of the house when he doesn't provide for his kids or his spouse.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I'm beat down worn down and look like a clown.
I used to be the man but now I'm not I sit here all day with not much to say all I got left is to pray pray pray pray.