subtext

          “Teach me, dear creature, how to think and speak’

I must confess my difference,

since silent acquiescence

and remorse is not enough.

I must accept my submission

and perform the right ritual

at each prescribed station.

I must explain each misstep

along the way to arrive

at the heart of my wrongs.

I must take these knives and

with a calligraphic slash

inscribe my myopic heart.

The sentence is written for me,

and nothing will change.