They tell me that they love me
Whisper filth in my ears
I hear their voices, so sickeningly happy
I hear them laughing, the sound bubbling
As if wading through a salty ocean
Of my own choking, blinding tears
I smile for them
And clench my fists, bite into my own skin
Hold the hatred in
Lest my finger slips on a blade
Or their heads snag on some marble guillotene
Lest they see the truth in my murky and dead eyes
I peak at them
Through my gold cage, and sing for them
In voice most sugary, liquid gold or melted chocolate
That froths and glides down pretty, pampered throats
They hear me and clap, pat my face, ignore my pain
You see they're so happy their daughter has not brought them shame
That she's still here, perfect and untouchable
Safe and secure within the beautiful, glittering bars
Encrusted with diamonds, opalescent and magnificent
No one can see her cry her, hear her embarrassing howls
No chance of the neighbors suspecting anything fowl
What more could a songbird want