Cast your eyes down
and nod your head slow
and if Simon says listen
tell Jane to take notes.
to be polite:
I said,
Don’t speak over me.
You said,
bitch.
I stand in my ironed uniform
with my hands behind my back.
You face me squarely.
My head tilts to one side
you say,
I am too aggressive.
Once, I would’ve said anything
like silver bells
bubbling music to your ears.
Vinyl lips,
pink like they ought to be
I would bat my eyes
and puff out my chest.
Yes,
of course,
thank you.
Now, the bat’s in my voice
and it swings
heavy.
It cracks
against the knees
of your high horse.
Like a general’s cap made of marble,
corrupted, corroded,
you will crumble.
Me, and your horse
we’ll nicker.
Now, my voice comes
from the throat
of a bobcat.
My chin above yours
and my hands at my sides.
With one foot forward,
you cannot say aggression
before I say pounce.
Jane took notes
but Simon forgot.
And I say,
listen.