Paper Bag People

All the people I've known 
Are holding hands with the empty promises they made 
So they are not alone 
When day breaks
And everyone keeps getting in the way
Saying this and this
Doing nothing nothing
Feeling better with the apathy
Someone never held me
And glued me back together
Unless I kept their secrets
Unless I gave them cash
So many friends I've had
Couldn't tell you 
A thing about me
Or what I need
We were sounding boards and fool's
We ran the train tracks and begged at the mall
We talked and we got high
We failed to be anything legit
People and their whole lives
Are letting truth slip away
Putting integrity on clearance racks 
And faking character with all the right words
But I stand against the wall
I see you and I know what you are
You cannot hurt me with your soul hustle
With your transparent bag of tricks
My perception is true
And my intentions are unfaltering 
Even when I shake
Even if I cry
My words are thoughtful 
My actions are reliable 
Even when I'm lonely
Even if I hurt
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Kereopa Avatar
July 31, 2019 at 5:35 AM
Gina, I really enjoyed reading, well written
Young Avatar
August 3, 2019 at 7:43 PM
Thank you Georgia!
Foster Avatar
July 27, 2019 at 5:58 PM
Excellent. Felt every word inside and out. Wonderfully written. Ann
Young Avatar
August 3, 2019 at 7:43 PM
Thanks Ann!
Toney Avatar
July 4, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Gina, to me this poem highlights how shallow relationships have become in this modern world to everyone's detriment. "Putting integrity on clearance racks and faking character with the right words." We might be able to see through it and stand firm, but what of our children?
Young Avatar
August 3, 2019 at 7:47 PM
I agree. I don't have any children because of the state of the world. Well, that is one of the biggest reasons. Thank you for the reply.
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