Don’t Touch

A party for my friend to say goodbye.

Hands clamp down on my shoulders suddenly.

I startle and squirm, desperate to know why

I feel like all are now looking at me.

Twisting, I cringe beneath my boss’ grip.

He jokes about taking my job away.

This is far out of our relationship.

An employee unsure what I can say.

He observes me as my supervisor.

I am anxious about it since I was grabbed.

Work does not feel like a safe place any more.

I feel like an object, judged, mocked, and used.

Fear from childhood abuse overwhelms me.

Don’t touch, I’m in intensive therapy.