Master Manipulators

They use basic psychology to get just what they want
Appealing to the ego while they act all nonchalant
Actors who don’t have a stage, they mingle with the crowd
Using all the right words to make you feel tall and proud

And many victims fall for it because they’re malnourished
For any positivity to make them feel flourished
So many have so little confidence that these fake smiles
And compliments are rarely met with suspicious denials

There’s no technique to vet them out, no manual or checklist
Just one intangible feeling that will always assist:
Empathy, a trait they lack, it stops from doing harm
Reminding us we’re connected, but they instead use charm

Because they’re disconnected which is why they always use
Manipulate for their own gain even if they abuse
Your empathy will unmask them and show how paper thin
That smile is, if they are pressed it shows under that grin

Is someone who’s empty inside and desperate to have “more”
Past all the charm is something sad and dark you can’t ignore:
Weakness, fear and selfishness disguised behind the lure
And when you do persist to ask, the ruse will not endure

Though they exploit emotions in all others, they can’t stand
To talk about their own, it’s an off-limits, taboo brand
Dare to delve with empathy and then just watch how fast
That charming smile dissipates when they feel they’re harassed

And that’s because the joy they flaunt is simply a veneer
Which hides a scheming, green-eyed monster with a jealous sneer
Perhaps you’d rather not know and prefer all the fake praise
But with awareness, such kudos will make an eyebrow raise

                                           ~Miro