Rat Race

Life can be a rat race--
You meet yourself coming and going.
And before very long,
Signs of stress are showing.

You are easily irritated,
You can't concentrate.
You have headaches and heartburn,
You're up all night and you have a meeting at eight.

You work hard all day--
They put a freeze on raises and hiring.
They barely acknowledge the things you do well,
But recite your mistakes until you feel like crying.

They pile on more work since they
Can't fill openings or give a raise.
They wonder why you're upset--
They don't want you there sick, but they count your days.

This is supposed to be "The American Dream"?
It feels more like a nightmare.
The stress alone can disable you--
And then you end up on welfare.