I tell myself
everytime someone new
starts
keep to yourself, don't let them
know
your dark thoughts, your impulses
your joy
keep to yourself, they'll use it against
you

but then
they open their souls
telling of their darkness, their chinks in their
armour
similar experiences, shared damage
and now we're friends

bonded with the distrust of authority
and hatred of the same enemy
facing the day with humor and parody

one day I walk through the
door
no longer greeted with an eye roll
a smirk
I toss my keys across the desk
hit the power button on the monitor
goodbye scrawls across the screen

I opened up
bonded with this kindred spirit
and now I'm alone

next time I'll keep to myself
I won't say a word
I won't get attached

next time