Inbetween Check-lists
I go through my day with a check-list,
of things not to do around the general public,
- Don't smile with all your teeth, it scares others
- Don't show any old scars, it intimidates them
- Don't walk too quietly, they are easily startled
- And don't talk about your family or friends, they think they are criminals.
I go through my nights with a check-list too,
of things to do to reassure my family and friends that I am all right,
- Smile, it makes them happy
- Be funny, they like to laugh
- Be smart, it is what they expect
- And be polite, they didn't raise me to be rude.
It is in the twilght hours that I live my life.
Between day and night,
between public and private expectations,
where I can breathe and be myself.