The Demon Express

I heard the breaking glass behind me when I slammed the door.
At seventeen, small-town life can bore you to the core.
I’ve looked around and I’m city bound.  Got nothing much to loose.
So now I’m walking down the road in my only pair of shoes
When a big ol’ bus comes rolling up, the doors swing open wide,
And sitting high in the driver’s seat is the spirit of Stubborn Pride.

The thing says “Climb aboard my friend and take your seat.  It’s free!
Just put your soul into it, man.  You’ll reach your destiny.”
I take the first step on my own and then he pulls me in.
And as I ease into my seat, I see the driver grin.
The passengers all look away, the doors are no longer there.
A chilly spirit hangs like desolation in the air.

“Six lanes” he laughs, “and all one way.”  Then we hit the highway
Of bumper-to-bumper straining engines screaming “This Is MY WAY”.
The means will justify the end while promising success
To all who make the journey on the Demon Express.
Driven by greed at blinding speed, destination disaster.
She’ll take you right up to the end and get you there much faster.

White knuckled now, I try to get a grip on who I am.
But no one wants to know me here, and no one gives a damn.
Outside, the gardens grow so lush and green with God’s own care,
And folks ignore the bus with darkened windows passing there.
Don’t let the young and restless years cause you to take a ride
On the Demon bus with folks like us of the spirit of Stubborn Pride.