Sonnet 061

I was once hired in order to be born.
I have retired from youth and come of age.
I have just been dismissed from life with scorn.
I have just quit without a living wage.
While labouring to rest and living on
I drudge away at pleasure, joy and fun
And toil at my short lifespan till I'm gone
And slave at freedom though all work is done.
It's not worth shirking this unpleasant task
Of living rough because I cannot rob
My conscience of all honesty and ask 
My heart if I can lie down on the job.
Although I earn my living death each day
Life never works and dying will not pay.

(Author: EDEN SANTOS OLIVEIRA. Written in 09/09/2002)