Sit Pretty

Sit still, back straight, hands rested in lap

Chin up, eyes forward, feet crossed

Girls, wear your long skirts to cover your skin, 

for if you show, you would be enticing men 

- it's your fault that they come - 

So cover your skin that makes you human 

In scraps of cloth sewn to hide your fire inside.

Boys, wear your suits to cover the rascals you are, 

tuck in your shirt, wear the blazer, make sure your shoes are shined, 

for if you don't, the women will turn away from you 

- be a gentleman - 

So, dress the way society commends, 

to hide the ways that you truly are with the scars you've earned. 

Sit pretty in front of your families, 

representing the name you carry

- a burden you're chained to -

Your words are your only solace, 

locked away all day until you can come back to your reprieve, 

releasing the screams from within 

- don't talk back, it's rude - 

Until they took away your words

- your freedom - 

Confining you to the box they've made, 

the perfect little child

So, sit pretty and stay silent, 

For if you do those things, you will be accepted 

- into a society of wolves -