it happens in phases
first they’ll pretend to be your friend
and they’ll compliment you
and flatter you
so that you let your guard down
until they peel back enough layers
that they find the pink in your flesh
then they bite
and they rip
and they smile
as they pick your skin out of their teeth
and they ask you
what’s wrong?
and you give them a cup of your blood to drink
then your skeleton stiffens
and you claw free
there’s some back and forth
an apology with far too many “you” words
and things seem temporarily normal
before the chaos leaks back in
insanity repeats itself
but now new phases are slowly introduced
the compliments return
but strictly in front of those jealous of you
insincere or not
(though they are)
it makes no difference
they’ll ensure you have no real allies
while they praise your work ethic
and tell you how nice your hair looks
when you can’t remember the last time you washed it
they’ll seek out whoever remains in your corner
and try to turn you against them
since their other tactics didn’t work on everyone
they’ll work to obliterate every lifeline
and they’ll wait until you have no one left
to stop the phase of insincere compliments
they’ll tear you down
both behind your back and in front of everyone
they’ll diminish every accomplishment of yours
and your one defense
is being better than them in everything you
think, say, and do
and let your work speak for itself
because it won’t even be a comparison
after they’ve spent all their energy on you
instead of channeling their energy
towards improving themselves
Fudge It! 