A Note To Self - Parenthetical Girls

Swallow your pride

We’re getting older, you and I

And shorn are those short hairs we held them by

For such a short time

Walk toward the light

I know you think we failed at life

But smile with your eyes like you’re satisfied

And try to act polite

You meant what you said

They put a price upon your head

These places your therapist fears to tread

Well, I bet you knocked him dead

This cascade of curls

Us girls were not long for this world

Rounds of applause and self-sabotage

I guess you got turned on

(Save your breath)

And what did you expect?

You had your shot, now perish the thought

(They're yours)

But with all due respect

We never had the heart to make you start

(This dream is all you’ve got)

So who’s left to blame?

Boys raised with hyphenated names

Well middle class slags of a certain age

Well I guess I rest my case

So lift with your knees

They know we’ve nothing up our sleeves

And if speed just makes chalk dust of my back teeth

At least I’ve said my piece

(Save your breath)

And what did you expect?

You lost the plot, now perish the thought

(They're yours)

And with all due respect

You’re mine until the seatbelt sign goes off

Who says dead men don’t talk?

A cascade of curls

Us girls were not long for this world

Rounds of applause and self-sabotage

By now you’ve got turned on