I wake up in the morning,
And stagger to the bathroom.
For a moment, I'm in college again,
All radiant and young.
Then the dim light slowly flickers on,
And in the mirror I see my face.
The course of my life coalesces in my mind,
As I see the telltale signs of time gone by.

Do I really need to put makeup on?
That seems like such a loathsome chore.
The kids will be waking up soon,
I really should make breakfast.
Can't they cook it for themselves?
They could certainly use the practice.
As it is, I'm content to make it for them.

I slip out of my nightgown,
It falls to the floor like a freshly sluffed cocoon.
I get in the shower,
Wash my face and shave my legs.

Had I been born with a cock,
Would my life be better or be worse?
I toil and slave for half the wage.
Is all that a person's worth,
Solely measured in size and girth?
If I were sluttier, perhaps I'd already be a partner at the Firm.
As it is, I'm content to wait my turn.

I saunter back through our bedroom,
Heading for the closet.
Walt is out of bed now,
He's downstairs brewing coffee.
I stare wistfully at the flowery dresses I used to wear,
Before selecting a grey suit for work.
It moves and breaths like a tightly fitting casket.

Would my family still love me if they knew the things I've done in my career?
I carry out with great zeal,
Obfuscation of laws pertaining to science.
Does that make me a monster?
If it does, I should lament.
As it is, I'm content to stay the course of providence.

I stride into the bathroom once again.
I put my makeup on, like a vainly strutting peacock.

Is my life with Walt more interesting than the one I could have had,
With my first college boyfriend, Chad?
Or am I just another simple average wife?