happy pill

manipulation

it happens in phases

first they'll pretend to be your friend

and they'll compliment you

and flatter you

so that you let your guard down

until they peel back enough layers

that they find the pink in your flesh

then they bite

and they rip

and they smile

as they pick your skin out of their teeth

and they ask you

what's wrong?

and you give them a cup of your blood to drink

then your skeleton stiffens

and you claw free

there's some back and forth

an apology with far too many "you" words

and things seem temporarily normal

before the chaos leaks back in

insanity repeats itself

but now new phases are slowly introduced

the compliments return

but strictly in front of those jealous of you

insincere or not

(though they are)

it makes no difference

they'll ensure you have no real allies

while they praise your work ethic

and tell you how nice your hair looks

when you can't remember the last time you washed it

they'll seek out whoever remains in your corner

and try to turn you against them

since their other tactics didn't work on everyone

they'll work to obliterate every lifeline

and they'll wait until you have no one left

to stop the phase of insincere compliments

they'll tear you down

both behind your back and in front of everyone

they'll diminish every accomplishment of yours

and your one defense

is being better than them in everything you

think, say, and do

and let your work speak for itself

because it won't even be a comparison

after they've spent all their energy on you

instead of channeling their energy

towards improving themselves