Yet Again

I yearn for recognition yet am I forever ignored.

I yearn for freedom yet am I forever held in bondage.

I am fed a meal of crumbs,

a meal of scraps and leavings,

yet I must give thanks as though for a full course meal.

I must swallow back my bile and speak sweetly to those who oppress me.

I must smile at my tormentor even while the whip tears into my flesh.

I am told that I am too old,

or too young,

or too fat,

or too thin,

or too tall,

or too short.

I am never told I am just right.

I am told I try to hard.

I am told I do not try hard enough.

I am denied my heart's desire yet again.