Oh man child, I see your fear
Tainted windows can suggest false stories
But poetry is not a broad brush that puts your own shame on display
Nor is such scrutiny wisely placed
---------

Reading poetry is not a place for brilliance
One needs only be a “good guy” looking for insights or meaning

Or maybe they are “Crowley”, finding their way to “Ingrid”

This reader traffic, seeking authenticity is not quite human.  More an etherial ego dancing with the words
that see you,
circle you,
whisper knowings,
welcome you,
need you.

Whimsey and song court depression
You like music, right?
It’s a drug for vulnerability
until the body is knee deep
This manipulation wears a friendly face
And angst is not a mud-worthy tool.  
Now who needs whom?

Nay - poetry literally reprograms the brainy.  
“Lean in”, it says.
“I have friends all over the world - to New Zealand and back.”

Maybe it’s true.
Just check its call logs, its campfire circles, its Facebook connections.
Poetry feeds (on?) longing.