Inbetween Check-lists

I go through my day with a check-list,

of things not to do around the general public,

• Don't smile with all your teeth, it scares others
• Don't show any old scars, it intimidates them
• Don't walk too quietly, they are easily startled
• And don't talk about your family or friends, they think they are criminals.

I go through my nights with a check-list too,

of things to do to reassure my family and friends that I am all right,

• Smile, it makes them happy
• Be funny, they like to laugh
• Be smart, it is what they expect
• And be polite, they didn't raise me to be rude.

It is in the twilght hours that I live my life.

Between day and night,

between public and private expectations,

where I can breathe and be myself.