It’s so tempting to blame you
for hijacking my peace of mind
with your forwarded apocalyptic screeds
on FB messenger
when I already told you
we don’t see eye to eye
and I love you anyway.

But you kept sending me this shit
Like the rat-ta-tat of a Gatling gun
when I didn’t race to reply
and dissect your arguments
with the precision of a trained surgeon
and the practiced counterarguments
of a Supreme Court litigator.

Maybe that’s how I was when we first met but
that’s not how I want to live anymore.
I just want to say,
— Got your messages. I disagree.
And move on with a joyful heart.

Instead, I brooded and twisted for days
Drafted and redrafted my rebuttal
Researched and amassed facts
from impeccable sources
Consulted a friend who talked me off the ledge
Drank ½ bottle of wine and
Finally composed my response which said,
Life is short.
Let’s not spend our time proselytizing.
We don’t see eye to eye
And I love you anyway.

Truth be told, you didn’t steal my serenity
or make me cringe and clench
every time the app pings and I wonder
Is this another round?
Do I have to defend myself again?
Do you hate me now?
Will you stop being my friend?
What am I not seeing?
Am I terribly, horribly wrong?
(A question that only time will tell).

You didn’t fracture my well-being
Or waylay my consciousness
Or divert me from my true priorities on this earth –
— compassion, acts of lovingkindness, being my best self,
trusting in my uniquely Guided path –

You didn’t hijack my mind with your bullshit.

I did.