my mouth refuses to divulge
words held captive
just behind my lips
like
an
unplanted
kiss
the libretto unspoken
song unsung
known only to me
and the whispers of my heart
Poetry from my life of chaos.
it pains you
I comb my hair
intently
with purpose
Ensuring
every strand
is neatly in place.
My teeth are brushed
up and down
up and down
Bright shiny pearls
Open wide, look inside
I paint on my eyelids,
my cheeks,
my smile,
like a doll
come down off the shelf.
I put on my sweater,
my skirt,
my stockings
look down
check myself out.
what do you think?
Are you pleased?
Do I fit into
Your image
Of me?
Am I smiling enough?
Am I happy?
Appealing?
The answer’s no matter
Because what you see
Is not what I am
Not me.