My Life's Work

I've been straining to stretch my smile

clenching my cheeks along with my teeth

as sweat soaks my smooth armpits

and my straight spine begins to spasm

-

exhausting myself to keep my comfortable life

of useless meetings and endless paperwork

as I content myself with expensive empty dinners

and my sculpted aching skin

-

While I long for the messy warmth of crowded kitchens

and the bank accounts dedicated to a child's success