I am liked by many,

Loved by few.

If I keep people an arms length away,

They can't lean in to hurt me,

Or learn how to love me.

I grip onto pain,

A familiar friend,

Can I change my journey?

Can I alter my end?

Black out meetings,

Trouble speaking,

About my real feelings,

My real self.

Automated messages

spell out the words

of a well rehearsed

Person, not present,

Not there.

#poem #poetry #artstr