Do You Have A Boyfriend?

mikaila Poems

Do you have a boyfriend? No way to defend From an ignorant question like that And it sort of offends Want the moment to end. Hiding it's not something that I work at But then again I expect in the end It's easier just to pretend And say, "Oh... Right now I'm not ready for that." Try to change the subject again. "You'll find a good man, All the pretty girls can." I smile, nauseous, and look down, demur, Know she won't understand And I'm wringing my hands Trying to have the right answer for her. Don't feel like taking a stand So I just say offhand, "Oh, thank you. Yeah, that is the plan." And quell the resentment that stirs. You'll meet a sweet guy You'll surely catch his eye. Those words start a fire in my mind. I just want to say, "Actually, that's not the way- I'd much rather call a girl mine." But instead I keep all of my Anger locked up inside, And say, "That's what I'm looking to find." Their questions and comments march on without end, No matter what happens, the talk always tends To turn toward finding a good man for me. I do my best to be quiet and blend, And sometimes when they speak I like to pretend They say "her" and "she" And not "him" and "he" It makes it easier then. I can try to pretend They'd accept a girlfriend And with her just how happy I'd be. I can try to pretend They'd respect a life without men. But what I really wish they respected is Me.