I wish I was manipulative
-not to manipulate anyone
but to avoid manipulation
to identify corruption
look deception in the eye
& have the guts to say goodbye
instead of getting caught in the aftermath
- feel my heart sink in realization
these unapologetic moments of reiteration
to evade the soul being scandalized
Or a reputation - vandalized
By their merciless malignancy
- the wisdom to not be fazed or paralyzed.