They stare from the audience expecting a blunder.

They lurk in the corner waiting for your slip-up.

They patiently wait for a mistake so they can scream ‘I told you so.’

They jeer at your good times so resolved it wouldn’t last for long.

Do you know them?

When they hear your love song, all they see is how they aren’t real.

When they listen to your vows, all they think of is how you wouldn’t be able to keep them

When they read your epistles, all they conclude is how you live in a bubble and not the real world.

When they see you two, all they watch for are signs of a crack or a break-up.

Do you know them?

You stand to testify, they simulate a smile and judge.

You eulogize about your love, they raspberry at your outpouring.

You dance and celebrate, they shush you and ask you take it easy.

Do you know them?

Everything is run through their gutter-tinted spectacles.

Everything is screened through their sorry and shoddy past.

To them, life has dealt them a great blow

For them, payback means taking you prisoner

They are unable to be in the moment

They do not have the capacity to be present

For their preoccupation is majorly negative.

Their experiences achingly unfavourable

So they carry their toxicity like a badge wherever they go.

Do you know them?

They would want to muffle your joy with the narrative that tragedy lies ahead

They would want to soil your victories just to sell their pessimism.

They would want to recruit you and have you converted

They want you like them. Sour. Bitter. Frustrated. Angry.

They are a sick bunch. They want your bed beside theirs in the sickbay

Rather than entertain them, comfort and pity them.

Rather than regard them, help and pray for them.

They deserve assistance, not engagement.

They need amnesty, not appointment.

When you find them, be kind to them.

But never let your kindness be mistaken for approval.

For He prepares a table before you…

Live in your moments. Make today count.