Because You Say So

1.
Brittle, I need only another
word from you to break me.
Then comes your dire anguish
to cement my veins with glucose
and lipids to turgidity.
Clean forgotten are
your words to conform
weight to shadow
as you question what
I am doing to myself.


2.
You are criticising my choice
in men once more,
so Type V on the Fitzpatrick,
my date’s swarthiness repels you.
I am made to repent again.
Gratitude and filial piety,
to know shame,
until you become bitter
with love,
Chinese
like ourselves.
Still you stand uncorrected and proud,
stereotypes rightfully assured.

3.
You are nailed to tradition,
its roots deeper with time,
deeper than mine
so I will be the perfect weight,
I will act Chinese and that is
beautiful
because you are correct,
because you say so.