IT

She played a game of hide and seek,

donned best friend masks

and took a peek,

found the soft spots at my core,

used me up

then sought no more

wary now,

I will not count ~

the game too grueling to surmount. 

Author's Note

Just reminiscing, and finding an old hurt...

captcha: offense

Reviews

[Renée]

one of the ugliest lessons we learn.. your poem captures it well ) :

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Renee - It's one of those lessons we only learn by living it...

[Brian F. Lockard]

I feel impolite receiving reviews from you and not returning the favor...so I'm glad this is the first one that I picked. I think it speaks to most people who've been in a relationship of some kind, and are tired of playing the game you speak of. Excellent poem. Anyone could relate to it. At least that's what I got out of it. Will strain my bad eyes some more to read your stuff lol.

-Brian

[Rita L. Sev]

Glad you stopped by, Brian - believe me, I understand the eyes issue well! Glad you enjoyed this. Thank you!

[Willard Wells]

Friends my a come and friends my go as they say. Some are more work than is worth the effort as your piece to me suggest. We have to know when to move on so we are not damaged beyond repair. Very nicely penned.

[Rita L. Sev]

And we only learn those lessons when faced with such "friends"... Thank you, Willard.

[DedPoet]

Simple but effectively written. The recollection in perfect rhyme, great flow, nicelydone.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, DedPoet!

[Alexis]

This poem is very easy to relate with, but you made it so much more impactful, meaningful, and emotional than simply "relatable." I have had many people in my life like those you described here and they truly are hurtful. Fortunately, I feel as though there is something to learn from individuals who hide their true selves and use you for their own good, while pretending to be your friend. For me, it just made me even more comfortable with the idea that I don't need anyone in my life that is going to treat me poorly. You don't need anyone like that either!
Thank you for sharing this poem, it's so great to see someone take a relatable, everyday subject and make it something extraordinary through writing. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Alexis! Yes, we learn from these people in our lives, and we are made stronger.

[Chris]

Yeah, it does hurt being left behind by 'friends' and even more when you realize they never WERE a friend after all.

[Rita L. Sev]

Indeed... yet so much wiser we grow...

[Coyote Poetry]

You gave life to the photo with strong description. We do use and abuse people. Willingly or not. Easy to be cold. The poem left me with thoughts to ponder. Thank you Rita for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Rita L. Sev]

"Easy to be cold" - unfortunately, I think this is true. For some people, it is a means for survival - for others, a way to avoid getting hurt. Thank you for your thoughtful review, CP!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Rita.

[Robin]

"Donned best friend masks" powerful line. People hide who they really are all the time. Wonderfully expressed so sorry this was felt by experience.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Robin. Yes, those masks really get me - I was taught to be trusting. Well, experience really is the best teacher after all...

[ANTO]

Hi Rita , I imagine this would be cathartic at least even if painful and a gentle reminder that if it wallks like a duck and it quacks like a duck its probably a pheasant these days.
I hope you're enjoying the school hols my friend.
:)))

great captcha

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Anto. This one came out of nowhere, as I was reminiscing about some old friends - and then this person crept into the field of memories... Yes, enjoying time off, though still working on school tasks due to teaching a new course next year. :)

[ANTO]

your welcome rita - always
Is it an interesting topic - the new course ?

[ANTO]

**you're welcome - lol

[Marie]

Some people are like that. It pays to be wary. That's why I don't let myself get to close to anyone...

[Rita L. Sev]

I have learned to be careful, but I still like people... I must be crazy - or still too young at heart!