Manipulation Nation

I love everyone I’ve lost, 

the hole within that I’ll never fill. 

Yet I love my drive to keep trying, 

I love those who’ll never love me back, 

the pain that comes with longing, 

the voice in my head when he decides to be profound. 

Find me in the pit that I have dug myself. 

I want to lift my head above, y

et my sanctuary beneath. 

Home is the darkness I have created, 

foolishly calling inspiration 

I can’t be freed from my own 

Manipulation Nation. 

The only one who believes 

is the one who wants to 

Honest Iago, I want to trust you 

I want to trust me 

I promise you I’m a reliable narrator 

The only thing I know for certain 

and that I’m alone, 

trying to fill a hole with these circular words, 

because if I don’t do it, no one will 

(though I wish someone would) 

So please don’t fault me for finding refuge in what’s lost, 

continuing to cherish the scars that I rip open 

I’ll shower in your hate, because at least I hear your words 

At least your angry eyes will still look into mine 

I’ll pull my own strings, wrapping my hands tight,

 only loose enough to hold a pen, 

and write a reality in which I did everything right.

William Flejter (2006) is an author, musician, and UMass Boston Student. With poetry and prose, he captures the world as it is, then asks the question - how can it be better?