Some will march in spewing insincerity
Still others will tiptoe in without pretense
Both are after the same things
Both are cruel and unkind
Manipulation comes in many forms
I am sure I have not seen all the ways
But I am sure of it when I see it
This will not be my future
I have never been blind to the truth
© 2024 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/manipulation-old-city-of-dubai-dubai-4412444/
Leather straps
A memory of searing pain
The kind that leaves
An abusive stain
Lies to cover up
The cruelty and the hurt
Behind locked doors
Where punishment would flirt
Damaged beyond
What she even knew
This is what she thought
Every father would do
Then one day
She realized the truth
Those embedded scars remain
As deplorable proof
© 2018 Michelle Cook
For a full month of writing prompts, click here! Leathery lies
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