Thomasine Dye

I Hide Behind My Veil

 

I hide behind my veil

I would never dare to take it off

I wear my silence like a dress

Shielding my body from their mocking scoffs

 

One day they’ll rip it off

And I will come undone

Unable to live with such shame

I will forsake the sun

 

I am mute as they accost me

I offer no reprisal

Pathetic thing that I am

Deference is my only means of survival

 

Pain is but mere data

I tell myself in vain

What do I care for this body? 

I hold it all in disdain

 

Let them do to me as they will

Let them act as they enjoy

For I have made myself nothing

I have become void