I would agree with jacob as to how the rhythm of the piece catches one's ear first--the regular beat of humdrum office days (or a slave ship, for that matter), and I think the short, sharp lines only serve to emphasize the beat. Very nice piece of work.
“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been.. more..