he sits
head in hands as the tribulations of another day spent in the too hot, too cold embrace of depression
how do you continue to walk among the living
knowing that all you have is rot inside
how do you continue this facade of being part of society when that same society is as foreign to you as the birds and squirrels
deep breaths
tape a mask on
smile, humans smile don’t they? two muscles, aching with lack of use, pull up the corners of chapped lips
very good, you’ve got this
eye contact, hope they don’t see only death looking back
make small talk, weather, whether or not you want to, nod appropriately
you’ll be home soon
hidden away
fake it for a few more hours
you can do it
can you?
yes, yes, their day sounds horrendous, how did they ever crawl out of bed and have breakfast with an adoring family with all that inconsequential shit weighing them down
they are the real hero
you
you’re just an automaton, a facsimile, carbon copy, rote and design
are you still smiling?
nodding?
pretending?
good
Mike's Manic Word Depot 
Totally feel this Mike
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I’m sorry. This shouldn’t be something anyone should feel. Except the fool. It’s his thing.
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Not just yours. That’s the thing, we aren’t really alone.
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In a perfect world I would handle the burden for the rest. Broad shoulders and all.
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Oh Mike. You softie.
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It fuels my fire. And the thought of helping others might mean I get I to a better suite in Hell
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I’m sort of surprised you believe in hell.
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we live in it. But hedging my bets on the afterlife, I know where I’m headed.
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I believe in an afterlife but I don’t believe in eternal hell 🤔 that’s just made up from catholic religions that try to scare people into be good. Guess it’s working for you??
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I don’t give a shit if sky dad thinks I’m good or not. It doesn’t affect me at all. Loki and Eris have my back. I’m far from good. Just good at it.
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I just think it’s weird you believe in hell lol
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I respect Lucifer in the Bible. He was willing to stand up for his beliefs.
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You believe the Bible?? Interesting. I’m learning all sorts of things about you today! 😆
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No. But I love mythology. And the Bible stole from the best tales. I’m probably best classified as pagan.
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You are an interesting man, Mike. Always keep ‘em guessing, eh??
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I grew up without religion. So I became a student of all of them.
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I see
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Good! I really enjoyed the ‘internal dialogue’ construct of this poem.
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Thank you!
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=(
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