Teflon coated

22 of 30


they look at me & I can see it
instant dismissal
so casual...
glance sliding sideways
still...can't honestly say I blame them
not much visible to the naked eye
everything worth noting...is hidden
inside

let me share a little secret
never underestimate a Survivor
we may appear quite ordinary
...boring even
sitting quietly in our corners
but there's a lot going on behind the scenes
...beyond mere observation

peripherals clocking 360°
reading more than sits on the surface
hearing more expressed than words said
sensitive to nuances most people would miss
when you've been through some shit
that instinct is imperative...almost primitive
finely honed & well practiced

it's what separates us from victims
learning from the damage
taking control of our own lives
not letting it possess us
trust me
nothing you imagine
is worse than the demons we've already defeated

so when you peer in my direction
& your gaze bounces harmlessly away
that's okay
your loss...to be honest

we understand what it's like to feel the cold winds of lonely
know the foul stench of betrayal
its odor all too familiar
& we recognize need when we see it
understand how hard it can be to ask for a hand
as we've found ourselves all too often in that unenviable position

so...
give us a chance beyond that first glance
prove you can be trusted
& you might just be surprised...
Survivors...
can become your ride or die