Day 7: Meanwhile, I'm Expected

Meanwhile, I'm Expected

I'm expected, of course,
to remain steadfast,
to quell my desires,
to be demure,
to suffer in silence.

           Meanwhile, inside,
           I'm trying,
           I'm lying,
           I'm crying,
           I'm dying.

I'm expected, of course,
to have a smile on my face,
to hide any pain,
to be consistent,
to endure unbeknownst.

          Meanwhile, inside,
          I'm reeling,
          I'm keeling,
          I'm kneeling,
          I'm feeling.

I'm expected, of course,
to be perfect,
to say all the right things,
to be normal,
to hold onto my sanity.

          Meanwhile, inside,
          I'm dreaming,
          I'm scheming,
          I'm teeming,
          I'm screaming.