The thief we know is really not much of a thief at all
For they can only steal what is material
Purchased and owned but never truly ours
The true thief steals what cannot be given back
The true thief steals our words
Bits and pieces of our conversations
Our inflection, our emphasis, our mannerisms
The true thief steals our style
The way in which we present ourselves to the world
Our statement jewelry, our hair color, our specifically ripped jeans
The true thief steals our moments
The highs and lows that shape our outlook
Our uncomfortable conversations, our inside jokes, our quiet afternoons
The true thief steals our emotions
Our involuntary reactions to the world around us
Our jealousy, our joy, our loathing
The true thief is a writer.
Now before it’s too late
Please take the appropriate precautions to protect yourselves from writers
They are truly ruthless and unrelenting thieves
Do not share anything personal
Do not emote in public
Do not wear your personality within your garments
As that is surely the easiest way to get robbed
Instead make sure to lock your true self up
Like a bike chained to a telephone pole
Stay inside with your conversations and relationships
Unless of course you’re already in a relationship with a writer
In that case you can ignore this advice
As you are not a person as much as you are
Inspiration
For the rest of you
Please stay safe
But then again, why should you trust me?
I’m just a thief.
