The Poetry of
Michael G. Khmelnitsky

And this is how you learn to speak:
You hold your tongue behind your cheek
And mark slow progress of each week,
As if bewitched.

And this is how your learn to think:
Pretend to understand each wink,
All while reflections in your sink
Become unstitched.

And this is how you learn to lie:
Better to cover than comply,
(Although you know from your deep sigh,
It's full well same).

And this is how you learn to hide,
Until all wrath of man subsides,
Although it's woman who decides
You are insane.

And this is how you learn to be:
You earn degree after degree,
As if they can be guarantees
Upon your wall.

And this is how you learn to trust:
Until all faith must turn to dust
And you singe limbs off in disgust
And shriek and bawl.

You study censorship at home.
You study censorship at school.
You study censorship at work.
You hide your truth.

But, reconfiguring your smile,
Or, reconfiguring your style,
Or, reconfiguring your guile,
Brings you no sooth.

They do not want you when you're bad.
They do not know it when you're good.
They do not see you when you're there.
They won't reply.

And even though you live to love,
They'll issue carnage from above.
Each time their push will come to shove,
You'll wish to die.

This bitterness will someday pass.
You'll pour your madneſs in your glass,
Or mow it down; as stubborn grass
Will be your wont.

There is, you'll understand, much worth
In finding meaning on this earth.
You will enjoy all manner mirth,
Until you won't.