Cheap Niceties

I ran out of pleasantries to exchange for a peaceful existence,

And I have not known peace since I chose to wake my sixth sense.

People stare at me fearfully as I pass them with my daring frown.

I know they despise me for acting like I run this damned town.

Yet, their words do not matter and neither does my shaky breath.

My mind is looking for some exits, but all it finds is deep regret.

The dusty road leading back to comfort looks ever so tempting,

And I know if I give up now, the road will not have an ending.

So, I swallow the cheap niceties climbing up my sore throat.

Come hell or high water, I will persist and find a spare lifeboat.

-Jackie