Finally Up

There's nothing quite like
the first to come your way,
it's an increment of measure
be it work, or be it play;

more often than it's not
it's an enemy to the end,
but on occasion it can be
your very bestest friend.

I've even heard it said
that it can be on your side,
and if you're running from it
it's quite difficult to hide.

If you've partied for too long
you'll likely be "half-lit",
and if you break the law,
you'll end up doing "it".

When you can't return my call
then you haven't quite enough,
and when our roles spin around
it'll be your turn to be, "gruff".

You're working over it
if you're staying far too late,
but at a sporting event
that turns out to be great!

One graduates in stages
from the innocent and pure,
it also takes this element
for good wine to mature.

You might have just enough of it
to have a second cup,
but for me, I have to end this
for my time's finally up!