The Wretched & His Stench

The wretched walk with a stench. The infected deflected by relatives and friends. Your demeanor, a fiend that offends the myths of their thoughts—the thoughts of those without financial worries.

Your empty wallet yells, “Please, lend me some money.”

Your mind debates, “Should I ask for some money to get by this month? I really need help. I’ve tried so hard.” You swallow your pride and decide to ask—such a tedious task. You find yourself already among the many tongues from those who helped with contempt–those who you still owe your soul to.

You smell your own stench. Not even a shower and cologne can hide it.

Oh, the myths of their thoughts expel disgusting odors. You play the many scenarios, the stinking ideas:

“You’re lazy.” “You’re not trying hard enough.” “You’re an opportunist.” “Everyone uses me,” they say.

You stroll into the ballroom in rags. Everyone pauses. Their stern countenances stare back at you. A woman screeches. A man yells. People trip everywhere before you can utter a word. The chandelier falls the shiny beige floor, missing a woman by an inch. A man drags her out of the way.

“He’s infected!”

They all flee.