Sit down, review, respond
isn't this what we do?
complements are thrown
creations flit around
and it doesn't mean anything

Unless...

you say something that touches me

Unless...

you say something that punches me

Sitting, reviewing, attempting a response
this is what I try to do
you belittle me when there is clearly a child
can't I refrain from vulgarity if I choose?
but my anger doesn't mean anything

Because...

that is what you want from me

Because...

that is why you said it

and you are condescending
and thinking- that I am "stupid"
that I am belittling an art
putting myself up
on a pedestal
that I am "too cool"

However...

I refuse to engage you in cutting transfers

However...

I will respond to your guttural slurs
with my thoughtful neutral words