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Caleb Dao - "Fair Game"

painting of artistic glasses and the first mission college literary journal

Fair Game

by Caleb Dao


Sitting in the silent chair
Breathing in the lonely air
I'm tired of the dancing floor
So take a breath and count to four
Prepare your smile when they ask
And hide your tears behind that mask

Oh nothing's wrong, wrong, wrong
Yes I am strong, strong, strong
So here's your pack of lies
I'm proud I lost the prize
I'll shake your hand and say the same
Fair game, my friend, fair game.

I'd hate to see that circle break
And force that grin you know is fake
I'll say I never had a plan
We'll be best buddies once again
I'll let you put your life on track
And one more blade into my back

After all, what can I say
I stilled my sword, you seized the day
I didn't dare to hope so far
But you reached up and grasped the star
Knowing that I can't complain
Just touch the base and pop champagne

Yeah nothing's wrong, wrong, wrong
Yes I am strong, strong, strong
So here's your pack of lies
I'm proud I lost the prize
I'll shake your hand and say the same
Fair game, my friend, fair game.


About the Author

Caleb

Caleb Dao is a high school senior dual-enrolling at Mission College as of 2021. Born in America in 2003, he has lived in Vietnam for twelve years doing volunteer work to help the locals; and he recently returned to the USA on account of COVID-19.

He has loved reading books since a young age, and when he is not studying Physics or Chemistry, he can be found writing fiction. He has written three novels in a literary-adventure genre, with a fourth on its way.

The rest of the time he can frequently be found daydreaming, drawing sketches, and writing poetry. His favorite sources of inspiration often come from nature or from events in his life, of which his poetry is often an expression.