Growing Like A Cancer

She packaged her envy in smiles

designed to twist perceptions so well

that others graciously accepted her barbs

often coming back for more

Her laughter was contagious

                 until you discovered you were the joke

                 and then it became infectious

                 growing like a cancer you must house

                 when what you want is to cut it out

She offered her favors generously

            creating a web of indebtedness

            that others dared not try to escape

            yet no one managed to repay

Her doting was protective

      until you discovered that it smothered

      and then it became lecherous

      growing like a cancer you must house

      when what you want is to cut it out

She sang her songs in tune

            composed to conceal the screaming

            that many simply chose to ignore

            sometimes asking for encores

            And her love was destructive

                once you understood her motives

                for then it became damning

                growing like a cancer you must house

                 when what you want is to cut it out

Sandy Knauer ã 2004