“Adjust for a few days”
“Why can’t you adjust for a few days?”

Adjust, accommodate, compromise, we’re taught
My voice is important, you say
But, how do we question ways and people,
That rest on your acceptance of tradition?

Empathize, empathize, empathize, we’re told,
But when does empathy turn into submission, I ask
To hierarchy, the patriarchal ways of life,
Acceptance of everything, I otherwise fight?

But I empathize,
Till I forget my voice,
And you, empathy
And life becomes a shrill angry noise.