I Must Not Speak

When I was a child, I could not speak because only adult thoughts mattered.

When I was a teen, I could not speak because authority figures had to be respected.

When I was a worker, I could not speak because my knowledge was threatening.

When I was a wife, I could not speak because my opinions were inconsequential.

Now, as an old woman, I cannot speak, because I do not exist.

I lurk behind my smile and my perfectly made up face and coiffed hair.

I must be pleasant.

I must not speak.

I do not exist. I never have existed.