Return to Stepford

(Based on : The Stepford Wives - 1975)

As long as all secrets remain kept;
as long as I can pretend I don’t recognise truths,
as long as I adhere to a certain public image,
as long as I am able to let people shout over me,
as long as my lack of confidence is not seen,
as long as I can act happy when I’m sad,
as long as I dress according to a man’s desire of me,
as long as I don’t cry when I grieve,
as long as I persist to always pay close attention,
as long as my laundry remains white,
as long as I never express my own opinions,
as long as I can discretely solve money problems,
as long as I don’t require honest eye contact,
as long as I live silently amidst worry and confusion,
as long as my work does not clash with others’ needs,
as long as I don’t flinch at those cutting looks,
as long as I consider the health of others before my own,
as long as I endure longing without affectionate touch,
as long as my cooking continues to please,
as long as I smile each time someone looks at me,
as long as I don’t expect fidelity or trusted friendship,
as long as I relinquish all control,
as long as my words are constantly praising,
as long as I can deny my panic and fear,
living in Stepford will be wonderful again.