the mask slips

ask questions.
scrutinize, look them in the eyes.
get close,
examine
the words, the mouth,
sift through things said,
are there even the whitest
of lies?
what's hidden?
look under their bed,
in their closet,
the basement in boxes.
what's omitted? what's gone
unsaid? is it
charm, and sincerity,
kindness, does she really
have a good heart, or
is this a devilish
disguise, one she's practiced
and honed her entire
life.
be patient. don't let
the affection
fool you.
be open, be alert.
go slow, let her
mask slip as it will
given time, as it always
does
with these types.
this is your life.
there are few years left
to be
fooled again,
to be captured and taken
alive.