they see me, and yet; I am invisible

to be pulled, stretched, and used

like a worn but beautiful canvas

each new day, the same ritual

tucked, painted, squeezed,

but that is the way.

I am to serve, and to hold court.

I push my spirit and hide it deep within

so it cannot see

what lies before me,

but that is the way.

I repeat the rituals day after day

in preparation,

because that is the way.

Before each night falls, I ready myself.

I wash, I dress, and I shuffle into the night

because that is the way.

By: KMH 2015