On Becoming Eloquent

On I Becoming Eloquent

I had to 
            come into a lighter shade of café au lait

            from my father’s side

            be designated the boy

           

Mom had to

            take on all other roles

            ensure my teeth fell before they grew crooked

            confirm I passed my courses at the university

   so I wouldn’t have to become a farmer

I had to

            reject Mom’s dream

            of me becoming a lawyer

            and major in English

            with a minor in Acting

Dad has to

            not faint

  when he sees me

  at Trump’s Inauguration  

                   wearing my bright black stilettoes