Have You Ever Lived?

Have you ever lived?
I have lived.
Just listen and I will tell you
for I have lived...
...

Deep in a world of the hatter's design,
amid the flowers I lay quite supine
as I ponder of images divine.
There is truth in wine...

Lost in dreams which I have made manifest,
dancing to tunes at the devil's behest
I prepare myself for eternal rest.
Is there truth in wine?

An assortment of fears,
perhaps some life to make?
A drizzle of some tears,
cried for twenty years' sake.
Here's to you, fella, cheers!
It's time for you to wake.
Could you spare a few years?
Is there more heart to break?

Me? Just slightly broken,
yet endlessly in use.
My flame has now spoken
so please welcome the noose.
I'm left with a token,
a sign of my abuse,
a coffin, cast oaken
that will not cut me loose.

I am marred with an indelible stain,
a distorted and uneven refrain
and this foul masque which I now wear again
is incapable of concealing pain.

Here comes that old brass band I used to know,
tempo is quick but the players are slow,
and as old reaper strides in the back row
I voice my objection as I whisper...
...
...