why i say no

back when i was young, i thought it was clever, to stand up like my mama, my head up like i mean it, and if i cross my legs, will i be like the others?, and if i stand up straight, will i climb, climb?, to the top, where i'm not, that's why i say no, i guess i'm just insane, yeah i'm told i've got no brain, if i smile, i'll be perfect, then i'll die with purpose, i'll force my smile, i'll fix my hair, clean up my house, shut up right now, i'll think about the good i've done, say "yes" and breathe when i am done, and if i cross my legs, will i be like the others?, and if i stand up straight, will i climb, climb?, to the top, where i'm not, to the top, where i'm not