un-shiny object
we must polish you
until you resemble someone new
someone other than you
your outlines too
need to be re-contoured
groomed
your edges smoothed
in this way
you will make a better show
for us all
your tongue will be blunted
and lose the memory of speech
stunted--
for we don't need
you talking
opinions are reserved for
those who know better
lower your eyes
for your eyes are too wide
you see everything
stick to your own business
which is ours
do not feel
without asking
without our permission
you are our diagram
a map we have drawn
with your boundaries, well-defined
do not make a sound
unless spoken to
its a narrow space
to which we've assigned you
and whatever you do
resist
and do not color yourself
outside the lines
no such animal
as to thine self be true
unicorns don't exist
nor do better angels
keep your brain straight on your head
don't get any ideas
nor get tangled up in
what's true
we'll decide that
for you.
you're welcome.
even if you're not.
LEGAL COPYRIGHT FOR THIS POEM/AND ALSO FOR THIS WRITER/POET MELISSA A. HOWELLS
AND ALSO FOR THIS LEGALLY COPYRIGHTED AND REGISTERED SITE TITLE
MELOO STRAIGHT FROM HER TILT-A-WORLD
3:42pm 3/14/2022 TIME AND DATE STAMPED FOR COPYRIGHT.