At weddings and funerals, a whole raft

of feelings are borrowed or assumed,

to conform with the prevailing winds.

Joy and sadness require different kinds,

of studied poses and adopted attitudes,

before the alcohol can be consumed.

 

My emotions are prudently overlaid,

corresponding to the needs of the time.

I search inside for the right response,

adopting the style to make you smile,

or a funereal air to take you down,

and carve a frown upon your brow!

Someone may be noticing me now!

 

I focus in. I concentrate hard.

Hard enough to warrant my Equity card!

Hot blood turns cold, and starts congealing,

I play my part. I repress true feelings.

The rites of passage are rare, indeed,

as scarce as planets in the evening sky,

which can move me to authentic laughter,

or genuinely make me cry.