Every morning, the same routine–
The polite chatter, the knowing glances
And I know my role
But I’m a marked presence .

You cut me off and tell me my order—
You already know too much
The music knows it too
So do the lights—they’re laughing
I see their sharp teeth.

Well, my mask has teeth too.

I’m sorry that my reflexes are slow—
I had to practice.

I hold my hand out
She won’t bite. She doesn’t know about us.

I couldn’t hear my “thank you.”

Today is not a bad day.
I’m just not feeling well.