I keep hiding myself
To protect myself
From the constant noise of tigers
Who insist that they are more valuable
More noble
More magnanimous
More worthy of being heard
Than anyone else
I don’t actually believe this
It just takes less energy to keep the peace
Than to fight
But secretly I swear at them
The words my mouth wants to say
Running for their lives
Through my mind
I feel smug
Like I have a secret
That keeps me sane

But this is only how I make myself feel better
About living a lie

(Maria Giuliani, 2025)