Look.
Observe.
Then choose:
Be the prey,
Or be the predator—
Whichever fits your skin today.

Smile, frown, laugh—
Only as deserved.
I don’t serve emotion
Where it hasn't been earned.

It's wise not to repeat history’s errs,
But it’s rare—
A soul bold enough
To seal itself
Or throw the dice
And feel anyway.

To be open—
Truly open—
Is a right well-earned.
To be open
Without deservation
Is a choice I sometimes make.

I juggle it all.
Dip my heart in waters,
Test each temperature,
To see which part of me fits this set.

When I’m open without a guard,
Consider it sacred—
A privilege.
Because understanding me?
That’s no basic math.

And when I take offense,
It means I see your redemption still.
Indifference?
Now that’s the true ****.

But the worst of it?
My zero.
The plastic smile,
The Barbie act,
Given graciously,
While I rot inside the wrap.

When I’m too agreeable,
When I grin too wide—
Trust,
It might just be
Distrust in disguise.

Because sometimes,
I gift you only
My poker face grace.