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You’ve heard fake it ’til you make it?

Where you pretend you’re caring

Human, empathetic, a good listener,

Monogamous, drug-free, eating single portions.

It’s practice, they say, try on the role,

And one day you’ll get the golden trophy.

It takes time, they say, things worth having

Are worth working for.  Time brings everything

To those who wait – and a million other platitudes.

Oh it works, alright.  Where do you think clichés come from?

—

Standard technique is pretending a positive change long enough

That it flips the script, from undesirable to desirable:

From inhuman to human; from callous to  empathetic;

from egotist to listener; from player to monogamous;

from addict to drug-free; from binger to daily restrictions;

from any two such disparate combination of attributes.

Certain circles believe that there is a kernel of holiness

Within each of us.  It makes spiritual sense that the technique

Will reveal that which has been but hidden all along.

Redemption is but a routine away.

—

As one goes through the motions, role plays an orientation,

Others respond differently.

When the monster is kind, she is met with tentative smiles instead of fearful withdrawal.

When, instead of laughing at another’s misfortune, one gives a kind pat on the back, ‘tis ne’er forgotten.

When Ms. Jackjaws zips it and actively listens, genuine connections can be made.

When Playa is where she says she’ll be for long enough, baby steps of trust are taken by her partner.

When Druggie takes up knitting at home every night of the week, families heave sighs of relief.

When Ms. Ever-Laterally Expanding’s wardrobe is finally thrown in the garbage, a new life has begun.

With time, the negatives can be relegated to the boxes left at the end of distant neuronal stations;

As the new stations are upgraded and reinforced with positive rippling light.

—

What about when you fake the negative?

Finding yourself in a twilight realm where nice is eaten for breakfast by its inhabitants,

You fake monstrosity.  You sand your surface until it is covered with oozing callouses.

You install amplifying devices in your larynx.  You dress to kill – literally.

Price becomes no object.  You gorge daily at lunch and insist your lunch-mates do as well.

You do what it takes to survive.  Your compatriots accept you without question.  You’re their star!

The flotsam and jetsam floating into your path are hooked aside with your gaff.

Certain circles believe that there is a kernel of evil

Within each of us.  It makes spiritual sense that the technique

Will reveal that which has been but hidden all along.

Hell is but a routine away.

—

With time, the positives can be relegated to the boxes left at the end of distant neuronal stations;

As the new stations are upgraded and reinforced with darkness.

—

After a week’s vacation, a distant train whistle calls.