The Devil called my name as he opened up his store
"Come inside for Science, one taste, you'll die for more!
Observe, the tree of knowledge, which will help your mind to soar.
A diploma with your name on it is waiting through this door!"
And then he took my savings and I grimaced in deplore
I asked if it was worth it. "Why of course," the Devil swore.
I entered into College-World, my hopes all turned to dust
Professors didn't care, and the lessons weren't discussed
Students in the dorm rooms overcome with drunken lust
And they made better grades than me - I felt a bit nonplussed
And then the Devil came to me and swept away my trust
I asked if it was worth it, he smiled, "You'll adjust."
I did in fact get used to my new cynical mind
I learned to sleep at night, knowing others were unkind
But then the Devil visited, my efforts he maligned
"How dare you waste time sleeping when your grades have just declined!"
And then he stole my dreams, though I fought and screamed and whined
I asked if it was worth it, he said, "Sleep in death, you'll find!"
I tirelessly labored, but made time for recreation
I lived in Science-Land, but in Art I spent vacation
Said the Devil, "Don't you want success? No procrastination!
Science doesn't mix with Art, you're such an aberration!"
And then he burned my paintings and replaced them with equations
I asked if it was worth it, and he provided affirmation
To Science I was married, in the lab I spent my days
Repeating every trial til the data was a haze
Twists, dead ends, and triumphs like walking in a maze
And the Devil stole my youth while I was in the research phase
And then the mirror found me and the wrinkles caught my gaze
I asked if it was worth it, and he said I'd be amazed
I wrote about my findings as my mentor cracked the whip
For every word I wrote I devoured another chip
Smoking, eating, drinking, into habits I did slip
Til my body was destroyed and I was helpless to the grippe
The Devil came in fevers and my heath from me he stripped
I asked if it was worth it, but he just gave me lip
After years and years of working with my spirits dark as coal
The day arrived when finally I would reach my goal
I donned my cap and gown, knowing soon I'd have control
But then Devil stopped me - "Your payment isn't whole!"
I'd come too far to quit, and the Devil still cajoled
I decided it was worth it, and I traded in my soul.
