Why am I so frightened <br />To say I'm me <br />And publicly acknowledge <br />My small mastery? <br />Waiting for sixty years <br />Till the people take out the horses <br />And draw me to the theatre <br />With triumphant voices? <br />I know this won't happen <br />Until it's too late <br />And the deed done (or not done) <br />So I prevaricate, Egging <br />them on and keeping <br />Roads open (just in case) <br />Go on! Go on and do it <br />In my place! <br />Giving love to get it <br />(The only way to behave). <br />But hated and naked <br />Could I stand up and say <br />Fuck off! or, Be my slave! <br />To be in a very unfeminine <br />Very unloving state <br />Is the desperate need <br />Of anyone trying to write.<br /><br />Elizabeth Smart<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/trying-to-write-2/
