Rather pretend that “How are you?” isn’t what it means,
That a hug isn’t what it seems,
That a handshake transfers disrespect.
I’d rather believe that goodness
And truth have no path to intersect.

This is what you have taught me,
People.
It doesn’t hurt me what you did;
It hurts me what you didn’t do
And how you didn’t think I’ve found out.
You never thought I knew.
It’s okay, for I’m prepared,
For everyone is you.
Nowadays,
Everyone is you.

Rather pretend that I’ve never met you
Further than one-dimensional pictures
Of the flipping of
The National Enquirer.
Rather pretend I’m not stupid,
I’m not worthless, or crazed, or a liar.
So, I will remove the mere shape of you
And fill it with molds of life I’ve deemed true
And that will cover
Just what and how I shall think of you.
After all,
Everyone is you.
Everyone, everyone, everyone
Is you.