Assertive, Not Loud

I speak assertive, not rude.

I play dumb and laugh

not to be disrespectful—

but to avoid telling you

the truth about you.

I sidestep my own thoughts

and offer encouragement

even while you’re still talking.

Because the mind has a way of trauma-dumping

when it’s been conditioned to survive that way.

I know people who swear

their truth is the truth,

but wear rain boots

on the hottest day of summer.

No wonder.

I’m not into hype or hysteria.

Not into the news.

Not interested in sports—

I don’t really care who wins.

I’m into writing.

Technology.

Women.