Happy to Pretend

On a spiral downwards
Never coming up for air
Never knowing where you’re going
Always living in Despair 

The feelings of lethargy
Won’t take you anywhere,
Walking down dead-end streets
Thinking no one cares. 

Life is just a gamble;
A Dealer’s winning hand.
Please don’t throw the towel in.
You’ll learn to understand. 

Everybody’s human.
We all can make mistakes.
Picture him a person.
A heart that never breaks. 

And when he thinks you stronger,
He’ll want to be your friend.
He’ll offer you his ‘friendship’
He’s happy to pretend. 

His second nature’s evil.
The words he speaks are false.
He’ll run around; He’ll pull you down
But never will he see:
He’s the one who’s hurting.
You’re the one who’s free.

Having caught you on his side
You two will soon forget
He’ll lead you into battle
This bully of lost regret. 

Imprisoned in his anger;
Cussing all he can,
Toying with emotion,
He’s just a bitter man. 

And when he thinks you richer,
He’ll want to be your friend.
He’ll offer you his ‘ friendship’
You’re happy to pretend.

By Danny, HMP Pentonville

Danny's poem was performed at the public launch of
the Dreaming Will initiative on 24th March 2003
at the Curzon Soho Cinema in song originally
composed for the occasion by Matthew Pritchard
and performed by the singer, Sarah Pearman, and
guitarist Derek Rose