80spoems/survive

I SURVIVE

By being dead,
for years they told me
that was the way.
Getting everything I want,
by wanting nothing.

I survive by the buck,
trying to be
the pleasing child,
or at least passable.

Through smiles
they seem not to notice
last too long,
while I try to imagine
what it is
I am supposed to say.

I survive as secretaries
and slaves,
and wives and mothers,
by enduring.