Instructions for Disappearing

Grow up in a small town.

Be the “Good Girl.”

Go off to college.

Meet the man of your dreams.

Marry in haste,

And take his name.

You are “Mrs. John Smith” now.

Quit college

So you can work

To put HIM through college.

(He’ll return the favor. He says.)

Move to where HE wants to live,

Leaving your family

And your friends

Behind.

(It’s a great opportunity. He says.)

Buy a car

And

Put it in HIS name.

(It’s simpler. He says.)

Buy a house

And

Put it in HIS name.

(It makes financial sense. He says.)

Quit your job,

Now that he has his Career.

Stay at home.

Cook and clean.

Take care

Of HIM.

Give up everything

For HIM.

Until he leaves you,

Taking with him

Everything

That you gave up

For HIM.

Leaving you

With nothing left

Of YOU.