For years, I’ve lived a double life.
In the day, I do my job, I ride the bus,
roll up my sleeves with the hoi-polloi.
But at night, I live a life of exhilaration,
of missed heartbeats and adrenalin.
And, if the truth be known, a life of dubious virtue.
I won’t deny it, I’ve been engaged in violence,
even indulged in it.
I’ve maimed and killed adversaries,
and not merely in self-defence.
I’ve exhibited disregard for life,
limb and property, and savoured every moment.
You may not think it, to look of me,
but I have commanded armies,
and conquered worlds.
And though in achieving these things
I’ve set morality aside,
I have no regrets.
For though I’ve led a double life,
at least I can say – I’ve lived.
