The peptalk practiced to perfection

The smile bright. The gaze inviting.

And nobody can guess nor mention

That life is ugly, devastating, frighting.

Light tremor hidden in fine gestures,

The pain bleeds through sharp humor.

The words are cynical, inviting pleasure

That drowns the terror of bad rumor.

Self-found, self-made, self- reassured,

Convinced the world to leave it be,

Chokes on the pain that was endured,

While it was stranded in “maybe”.

The little rabbit honed its claws,

The journey ahead is perilous.

It crawled to light on broken paws,

Deeming the hunters hilarious.