over a whole lifetime 

a little every day 

 

so nobody notices 

just a bit of poison 

 

through years 

of indecision 

 

agree with everything

always say “fine” 

 

vote republican, marry white 

 ignore the experts

 

indulge yourself 

with little things 

 

socialize frequently 

and take advice of colleagues

 

until thoughts 

are safely tucked away

 

leaking out only occasionally 

in off-color remarks 

 

always apologize

and say, “thanks”