To exist as an emotional

contortionist means learning

to perform at will

the mind's matchless

circus tricks.

 

It means the ability 

to enter a room, 

speedily gauge moods, 

and adjust demeanour 

to appease, though

there's no guarantee

you'll escape the

charge of sin. 

 

Of course, breathing out

is not an option,

as you prepare for

the next contortion. 

 

The rules are decided

by writ, but the scroll

hides in a vault, so all

that's left is to persist,

keep living like a clenched

white-knuckled fist.