From the "Stragglers" Soundtrack: "King of Pain"

I've mentioned that--though I write best in silence--when I've turned the last corner on a story, a song repeats in my head. In the case of "Stragglers", the song was "King of Pain" by the Police.

"Stragglers" has been making the rounds for over a year now. I think I've found the right level of detachment to execute it, but part of me remains skeptical. It's that I-like-the-story-but-will-anyone-else feeling:

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I always thought that you could end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain....