polite.

Smiling softly in an overcrowded room,
you see them patiently approaching 
- you -
a child, clutching a wine glass
grinning in return so that they perceive you
as a flowerchild, delicate and fragile.
"avoid eye contact"
something in your head just whispered and you turn your head.
the eyes know it all,
don't show them
for they'll see the empty abyss
where your soul should have been .
"breathe, you heartless child"
the voice encourages you calmly
even though you know you're rotting away
because you try so hard to fit in a place
not meant for sinners like you.
"your glass is empty"
a gentle scream piercing your consciousness,
the liquid courage is gone, your mask has fallen in your feet.
Please, excuse me - you say kindly
dreaming to escape the inescapable
reality.
Smile politely, child, and run.
maybe something else is waiting on the other end.

V.