Up to your neck
in being
co-opted
adapted
inspected
disinfected
suspected
ejected
written off
into the void.
There is reluctancy
of devotion,
never the right part
to begin with.
Best years of your life
spent trying to be
encompassed
into the works,
proving yourself worthy
to be part of the
cohesive unit.
Unity!
They proclaim.
If none, who’s to blame?
Now that you’re out,
you’re crying,
“where’s the rest of me?”
Hold your head high.
The only thing
that’s left of you.
Be glad of that, somehow.
Mary Jennings (she/her) is a performance poet, musician, and retired public servant. She lives in Chicopee, MA, where she serves on the Chicopee Cultural Council.
Very good Mary.
your head is high! congrats Kathleen
Thank you, Bob, and thank you, Kathleen!