We're not rattled by failure now.nnStatements slurred, terms are altered.nThe air stalls as we venture out of key.nAnd the words turn so viciousnas these stakes that were so small gets torn in three.nnUnlearned parts, a constant ringing,na smudged stamp on your hand and a vacant stare.nFed our hearts on these fantasies.nNow these hearts have grown brutal from the fare.nnYou pit art against reason.nThough the two aren't opposed.nThis recurring theme contaminates your dreams.nnWe're not rattled by failure now.nnAbsolutes and autumn deadlines,nthey just pass like a fever. Like idle dares.nSee this through. See it ending.nYou retreat to go dye your dulling hair.nnStanding mute as a starfishnas the bright lights and music start to recede.nIt consecrates your dreams.nnWe take failure for granted now.nThey maintain our feet on solid groundnwhile it clings like a cloud of bees to me.nA halo of sand in the cuffs of faded jeans.nnTo wallpaper our room with rejection slips.nTo slowly wet the circumference of our lipsnand admit the coldest form of defeat.nIt was all just a dream.