I’ve watched them wither.
I’ve watched as the universe has drawn lines
on their faces.
I’ve watched as their hopes were crushed into cynicism,
their beliefs laughed at by others, and eventually
by themselves.
Their once perfumed breath now
reeks of accusations.
Their once strong backs now hunched as they crouch
in the corner.
Their life is no longer lived for themselves, they say:
We live for you, it’s all for you.
I’ve watched them, and I am scared.
Scared to be like them,
scared that I have done this to them.
Silenticel 