Eating Paper

By now you probably have noticed and I'm so relieved
To see while you have been leaving me deep
That my younger sisters and brothers have all grown to be
Stronger and smarter than you would believe.

But like all good things it did not last
Your appetite returned so fast
And just in time for supper.

Why would you sweat my confession
What I claim to be
When you see the fruit as it hangs on the tree.

Now this may be the rare occasion where high tide lifts all boats.
I'm keeping my head down under the water,
'Cause man I gotta get there on my own.

I've done all you have required still you feel the need
To quiz me on books I did not claim to read.
Well alright, John Henry dies in a tunnel, hammer in his hand.
Steam drill lives on to make fools of every man.

When I lived alone I did as I pleased.
Eating paper, I swung from the trees.
But like all good things it did not last
Your appetite returned so fast
And just in time for supper.