A Sham Act Poem by Margaret Alice

Came home, nearly dead with fatigue,
Oh, says hubby, I can see whenever
you have to do something for me you
look drawn and unhappy, this means
you’re doing it unwillingly

I tried to explain I’m suffering from de-
pression and anxiety, but remembered
these complaints are forbidden in this
house; so I agreed, Yes, I’m evil, arch-
evil; only when I have

To do something for YOU do I act as if
I’m tired, but you know there is nothing
to it - it is only my unwillingness to serve
you well; I’ll stay in the kitchen doing
penance, suffering illegal

Depression quietly, not where you
can take offence…

Women were made to serve, didn’t you
know? – Sorry, no… Are you willing to
learn? – Oh, no, thank you, I’ve been trying
to learn and all I came up with is a sham act
that never convinces anyone….

I’ll have to continue on my own, as I have
been doing ever since my brother punched
me when I was ten – I had a black eye –
I’ll never know why….