As You Want Me To Poem by Margaret Alice Second

I hope I can stay down and resigned, that no false
joy or illusionary delight draw my focus away from
the blackness of our economy - from plummeting
markets and my own aches and pains & may I be
preserved from counting my blessings because

That is blasphemy unheard, may I stay in the dark
realm of unhappiness to save you from frustration
of a cheerful me - what a cross that must be! - to
keep following in your depressing footsteps, echo
your forebodings and soothsaying of an eternal

Drought in the heart, the shame of being unprepared
for comfortable income and easy years - yes, let me
sink my head and never lift my eyes, let me keep my
gaze firmly fixed on the anxious thoughts that inspire
our painful walk through life - may this absolute

Depression replace my hateful aggression - so I can
sigh and cry and be sad all the time - just as you
want me to….