532. Nothing to Say

No one asked you to understand me,

Or asked for you to stay.

I could talk until I’m blue in the face,

Though I’d be misunderstood either way.

I don’t have the energy for people,

Who simply care to judge and assume.

My head is full enough already,

And there is no more room…

To worry what you think of me,

Or if you’ll accept me as I am.

Accept why I do the things I do,

And assume I have reason to be who I am.

So if you can not do this,

Then please just walk away,

For if you can’t see any good in me,

There’s nothing more to say.

K. Aldaya, 1/23/21

Picture: Original Source Unknown; http://favim.com/image/4073467/

531. The Game of Trust

Give me a man who’s pure evil,

Over a good one anyday.

At least the cruel man is honest,

And you’ll know his intentions right away,

But a good man who does evil things,

How does one anticipate or react?

When you’re unsure if someone will do harm,

What is the best course or tact?

Give me a man who’s pure good,

Over an evil one anyday,

Because the good man is honest,

And you’ll know his intentions straight away;

But an evil man who does good things,

How is one supposed to feel about that?

The head spins unsure of what to think,

Or how best to view them or react.

Give me anything but a human,

Who rides on a tipping scale,

Of kind of good and kind of bad,

How can any of us prevail?…

In a world where everyone is in question,

And anything can be put on display.

Honesty is preferable to high moral ground,

And trust is just a game we play.

K. Aldaya, 1/19/21

Picture: Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Avengers; https://vocal.media/geeks/5-avengers-sure-to-die-by-the-time-marvel-s-phase-4-rolls-around

526. Coliseum

I long to write, though who will listen,

To the rantings of the insane?

The title merely grants invisibility;

And a face without a name,

In the coliseum of civility.

I wander through the crowds,

In the stands, where spectators watch,

As warriors and politicians,

Earn another scar or notch,

In the holding of their positions.

I stretch my hands out for scraps,

As they shoo me out of sight;

Though from here I see it all,

And know that none of this is right…

And soon all of us will fall.

Be it by starvation, wound, or pride.

We are all part of the show.

I may seem but a distraction,

Yet I’ve gone where others can not go;

And seen every angle of inaction.

For they play their parts quite well,

And the world moves to their plans.

I’ve seen every move and collapse,

As money changes hands,

And they fall in the same traps.

From the outside, I look in,

Year after year…Sin after sin.

I hold my voice, and hold my breath.

No one’s listening, so who can win?

We stand aside until death.

I look at you. Do you see me?

Are you looking? What do you see?

God’s play games, as day absconds.

Are you a God, or are you me?

Do you play games with human pawns?

For who can win an endless game?

And who can fight our mortal fate?

Though, in my eyes you’d find the sun,

So listen well, it’s getting late.

This entertainment is not fun!

And this game you can not win!

The only money, worth it, to spend,

Is found in the outstretched hand.

For the show continues long after curtain descends…

And only in the heart of another could you understand,…

All we have is each other in the end.

K. Aldaya, 10/7/20

Picture: By: Jorge Fernandez Salas on Unsplash; https://unsplash.com/photos/hvxJ2cnecd4

525. Vampireland

This land is full of Vampires,

Who long to steal my blood and soul.

I’m not a toy. My life is my own.

So no, I can not just give up my soul.

Accept me as I am, or leave me alone.

It’s taken time to realize,

I don’t exist to be their prey.

It is not my responsibility,

To help them feed, or feel a certain way.

It is not my duty to keep them happy.

I don’t owe an explanation.

A caring being wouldn’t need one.

If understanding…they would understand,

That people’s feelings, they can not be won,

By abuse, manipulation, or demand.

Oh Vampires! Hark, hear me well!

I’m allowed to feel what I feel.

You have two choices: Accept it or leave.

I am not your prey, and I’ll never kneel,

To monsters with such hearts as can only receive.

This land is full of Vampires,

Who long to consume without care;

And they do not endure in night’s shadows.

They walk in the sun with us, and you’d swear,

That they’re no different from others you know.

Except that they will feed on you,

Until there’s nothing left to take;

And never ‘nough to fill them, they’ll curse and jeer.

So don’t feel guilty for bearing a stake…

In your own life…

Do not let Vampire’s near,

For they only know how to take!

K. Aldaya, 9/18/20

Picture: By Jean Toir on Unsplash; https://unsplash.com/photos/90rOCLank_Y

524. Mirageneers

People say so much, and yet,

Have so little to say;

And when you try to speak on truth,

They then huff, and walk away.

Why should I trust anyone?

And why make any sound?

When my voice leaves on the wind,

Will they care if it is found?

My voice bled into the air.

Got lost: Grew starved and cold;

Which never would have happened,

If they’d have let the truth be told.

So, there’s no use in talking.

Who’s listening anyway?

No one cares if you don’t speak;

They just don’t want you to say,….

Anything to sabotage,

Or divert them away,…

From their mirage.

K. Aldaya, 8/5/20

Picture: By Tony Reid on Unsplash; https://unsplash.com/photos/PGdMhonLLZk