Marionette

I have to be perfect for you

You’re fighting, screaming at each other

But I can’t waver

I plug my ears and become rigid

And I tell myself a story

That my life is perfect

That I’ll live happily ever after

And that I’ll be good enough for you

I show no emotion

I pretend that I don’t cry into my pillow every night

You’ve caused me to say “fine” a lot

The answer to every question

The simple word that lies right through my teeth

While I smile a numb smile without depth

Plastic

Over time I’ve become your mannequin

Posing me however you see fit

Your perfect marionette

With my strings wrapped around my throat

You’re going to put me into therapy someday

For years I’ll stare and look without seeing

And you’ll wonder why I spoiled your reputation

And you’ll forget that you ever had a daughter

Who used to be me