Ok--the story behind this one is--I was talking to another poet about SOMETHING (I can't remember what!), when the subject of 'toxic' came up. Being the creative types we both were, we began to think of 'toxic' things--and he mentioned 'people'. I thought he was crazy until I looked it up, and indeed there is a definition for 'toxic' people. No, they don't make you physically ill--but they are very negative types that drain you of your joy and energy. Imagine that! Well once I had a definition, I could think of dozens of people that fell into that category. It was unbelivable! The things we learn...LOL! Enjoy!

Does anyone recall
The skull and crossbones
That meant this stuff’s poison
Leave it alone?

Well, I’ve been informed
Of a new toxic type
People—imagine!
Crawl into this pipe

And it’s humorous you see
As I thought it all out
I desired to label--
To run out and scout

Those who I feel
Should wear this here tag--
O crossbones they deserve!
They need to be flagged

So others can see
From a glance far away
These people will drain you--
Hold them at bay!

But I had to write this
To remove from my skin
The urge to corral them--
Lest they strike again!