Everything with people, for me, is like balancing on a tightrope. This person likes me, this person lied to me, this person is oversensitive, this person is important. Every word, every expression, every sigh risks me toppling over. There's no net at the bottom, in case you were wondering. If I fall off, everything collapses. I've been up here - by and large - for years. I've tumbled down a few times - it's not pretty, not something you want to see.

I've been up here so long my shoulders are knots, my thighs are absolutely shaking, my knees are weak, my feet are on fire. I get to rest, when I'm completely by myself; I finally make it to the other side and I get to flop on the platform and just be limp. Until the next time I have to get up and cross again. Sometimes, depending on the person, the pain is agonizing.

Those people that are extra unpredictable, or extra untrustworthy. God, they hurt. And then there's the precious people that make it feel just fine. Yeah, I'm still balancing - that'll never stop - and more often than not, with them, the price is much higher if I fail. But honesty and consistency make me feel like I'm just walking, for once. 

So, some wonder why I'm so avidly against interaction. It's because I'd much rather walk than cling for dear life, and the individuals that can make that happen are so few and far between. And frankly, I am beyond exhausted already.

Innocent eyes should not hold fear

There should be no terror here

Even though you were raised that way

Please listen to me and stay

Stay your hand, she's just a child

She shouldn't have to stand on trial

Stay your hand when tempers flare

If about her you claim to care

I wish somehow you would believe me

If you're good it's really easy

Not to hurt your little one

Just because he wants some fun

Stay your hand, please don't hit him

Even if you think he's sinned

Stay your hand right now today

Soon that urge will go away

Look into your baby's eyes

When you just can't stop her cries

There is something she needs from you

It's not pain, trust me, it's true

Stay your hand, don't abuse them

You should treat them like a gem

Stay your hand, they don't deserve it

When you stay, you'll see it's worth it

If you wonder how I would know

While my bruises no longer show

I was once that scared little one

I lived in terror and it's not fun

The difference between you and me

Is that I questioned 'authority'

I figured out that what happened to me

Was a chain I had to break free.

I beg of you and even demand

Stop the abuse and just

    stay

        your

              hand.

I am deathly allergic to shrimp.

I did a very short stint as a pimp.

If you look closely, you'll see I walk with a slight limp.

When it comes to injustice, I am an absolute wimp.

I used to be quite vain, with a penchant to primp.

I love to write, so Of COURSE I have several blogs!

I live in a city where there goes much schmoozing and smog!

I get up at four A.M. every single morning to jog!

I look forward to post-Turkey day and post-Pumpkin Latte Craze, because, duh, I love eggnog. 

(that last one must be true, because look at the length of it!)

I have...um... four cats and three dogs?