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