I do not trust you: age 18

By Salie Genesis Layor


I offer myself to you with the trust of an innocent child.

No. Not trust, I will not lie to you, with hope.

Hope that you are sane, that you are real,
that you will not hurt me.

You call to reassure me you are safe, exciting, we’ll see.

I will test you, to see just how real you are,

to see how far we will go.

Sometimes I may go too far,

Then – I expect you to confront me.

I do not expect you to hurt me.
Don’t let me hurt you.

Challenge me, test me if you must,

but please be patient.

It will take time.
That we have an abundance of.

I am only a child.

Do not hurt that child, so that she may learn to trust you.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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