Practice Disappearing

I’ll get ready for you.

I’ll make my blonde hair shine the way you like.

I’ll play the doll.

I’ll lower my eyes so you can feel tall.

I’ll do my make-up just the way you like it.

I’ll pin my hair up, just for you to see my neck.

This pin was my grandmother’s.

She was a witch.

I grew up with her.

But you wouldn’t know. You never asked.

I’ll be whatever you need.

Even when I don’t feel like it.

I’ll do what I’m supposed to do,

even when all I want to do is to fly away.

I’ll play out your fantasies

so you can feel like a movie star.

But don’t be surprised

if one day, a little voice whispers: freedom in my ear.

And Because I’ll listen.

And I’ll disappear.

You won’t see me again.

Not me, not my beautiful wigs.

Don’t bother looking for me.

We’ve had centuries of practice disappearing.