A Fruitless Race

Lock up tight Don't dare relent They'll take delight To see you bent Paint your face Dry your tears Show only grace To all your peers Mask your scars Distort their view Don't move these bars They shelter you If someone sees Your blood is red You'll become a disease On a viral thread Trace your steps Leave a trail A tainted rep Won't bond or bail If you drink Do so alone Otherwise you'll sink Sticks and stones Your mouth will open The vomit leaks Once you've spoken No need to speak If you abide You'll save some face Confident stride A fruitless race