From The Snake Pit

Smiles and laughter abound
among our group of friends.

You sit on the edges:
quiet, reserved,
wide-eyed and shocked,
like a bird diving into
crocodile-infested waters.

An introvert
lost in a world of extroverts.

Feeling empathy, I took to your side.
Ensuring you were included,
reinforced you to others'
and for this, I was made a fool.

Through me, you gained confidence,
became more self-assured.
I rejoiced as you shed your insecurity
and found assuredness.

Then you started to change.

Hurtful words spewed forth from your mouth.
Confronted, you'd lie.

You tried desperately to slither
yourself into my place in life:

         Within my friends
                   My family
                             My home
                                       My husband!

The truth is you're not
so cunning after all.

Now you're more alone than ever.
Another snake slithering in the dirt,
writhing on its' belly in the
verminous slime pit.

(33 lines)