You step into someone’s life, 
establish bonds,
feign concern and 
build trust. 
You set about with seemingly 
genuine care and 
draw out love
and empathy. 
You infiltrate the hearts
of vulnerable 
open handed
honest souls.
You know when to smile, 
when to suggest 
comfort or concern, 
how to reap affection. 
You cunningly grasp hold
and ever so cleverly 
you thrust in your 
fangs of manipulation,
and bleed your victims dry.

By Kelly Waterbury