All the best things are forbidden
(Or on the way to becoming so, or from being so)
Gluttony- lust- mischief-drugs-rebellion- falling in love
especially with someone who sees you when
the mask is off and you’re done performing

It’s frowned upon to occupy your body completely.
It’s impolite to feel both the pain and pleasure your body gives.
It’s not proper to swear and emote and exist in a way that
Challenges others, or makes them think further
Than they were trained to in the context of their life

When they ask you how you are, lie.
When you know you’re right, back down.
Make yourself small enough to fit into the moment
Of brief consideration they’re offering you- do not ask for more-
Do not allow yourself to be anything but opaque, pleasant. Smiling.
But not too wide.

Tuck away your anger, your sorrow, the aching, even joy
Because it threatens them. They do not know how to live in
The spectrum of colors and sounds and shapes and chaos
That is your world, that is the only way you know how to live.
You must be terrifying to them.

So terrorize.