One Sip, I Go

One sip, I go

Five-thirty, Kaneshie still yawning
Paper cup burning my thumb, keep walking
Trotro horn says, "Charley, move quick"
My stomach doing interviews before I reach it
Ironed shirt, collar standing like a soldier
Borrowed shoes, left one biting my corner
First coins knocking in my pocket like tin
I tell the mirror, "Boss, today you enter in"

One sip, I go
Even if my knees say no
One sip, I go
Ready can meet me on the road

Outside the office, blue gate, seven names
I rehearse my greeting, then forget my own name
They ask why me, I say, "I learn fast"
My voice comes out small, but the answer holds fast
When they say, "We'll call you," I step into sun
Half the coffee left, interview done
A young girl by the gate is shaking just like me
I pass her the cup: "Take am, you go see"

That paper cup carried heat in my hand
Like the shoes, it was borrowed, but I still could stand
Confidence didn't come before the door
I knocked while afraid, then I was afraid no more

One sip, I go
Now my knees can follow close
One sip, I go
I was ready when I chose

One sip—go.