by K. Samways, 2020
Anyone who has suffered
at the hands of
a narcissist
will understand
its great benefits
Let me tell you
about the
kindest boss
I had
so many insecurities
had she
that easy to manipulate
was she
only she also would
Manipulate me
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
whisper whimper
hit the ground
She fed me lies and half-
truths, yes, but
also gave me
special public
opportunities
I’d be her plus one,
her pet
I looked good back then and
the leash was invisible,
You see
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
chains and whips
hit the ground
So it was my eye not hers
that caught some others
wooing community
members and benefactors
secret attendance
wallflower at times
but there, by her kindness
as her shadow
by her side
How dark and cold it was
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
ice trays crack cubes
hit the ground
Her kindness granted me
so much special aspect
special responsibility
not more than I could bear
but by then I
did not know
up from down
what could I bear?
it all seemed too much
So she gave me more
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
kindness smothers
hit the ground
I’d go into work and drag
my feet until someone
came in and my pert
presence in
reception was
the only light
to cut the tension in
the office
a palpable, tangible plight
She plunged with us
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
wearing grinding
hit the ground
Here’s another opportunity
public events committee
the ultimate opportunity
to display woman empowering
woman in public spaces
closed door meetings aside
She pushed me towards
a brighter future – again –
how kind! Although I admit
She could work on the delivery
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
push and pull
hit the ground
But back in office
worse than before
ensuring I’d quit maybe
make a scene something more
pushing prodding
poking digging
although the ignoring
was even worse – that’s how
they broke prisoners,
You know
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
lean in for kill
hit the ground
So right before she could
revoke the niceties
she tried to lend
to me
I snatched them
for keeps
and ran as far as I could go
not that far, it seems
our circles rubbing
Edges still
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
try to escape but
hit the ground
Okay I’m still not
entirely grateful
she told some she fired me
when I would have preferred
they heard tales of
my bravery in
facing the beast
feeling fire’s breath
and walking away head held high
And by choice
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
liar liar
hit the ground
Yet once more
to appreciate
the actions of before
the kind cruelty
she bestowed
truly empowering and emboldening
and my compassion ever
growing for beings
like her
For their need is greatest
oh the game of the
narcissist
round and round
eventually they
hit the ground
Anyone who has suffered
at the hands of
a narcissist
should understand
its great benefits
The Halfwit Writer 