Nothing Like A Thank you

For the favor you did but never let me forget, for the “no pressure” laced with regret. for every “no big deal” that came with fine print, I paid with a thank you, and smiled like a flint. For all the gifts that came with a clause, For the cheers while citing my flaws, For every applause wrapped in dissent, I returned with a thank you, as empty as the intent. For every "helpful tip" served cold as a sneer, For the pats on the back that came with a leer. For the free counsel that came with a leash I muttered a thank you, then moved out of reach. For the “just looking out” that clipped my wings, For the fake "take care" with invisible strings, For the hugs that came with terms to agree, I nodded a thank you, then quietly set myself free. For all the words dressed in sugar and spin, for all the eyewash blurred what's within You spoke in ribbons, but traded in brick— so, here's my reply nothing like thank you does the trick.