on being an empath

It is like being the feet of others, the skin, the heart. You go where they go, not literally, not physically, but subconsciously, emotionally. When they encase themselves in facades and beguiling masquerades you need not obey like the casual, distant observer, neatly oblivious to that strangers paradise. You instead shuffle non-threateningly off to the side, your intimate knowledge stowed respectfully. The shoestring subtleties loud, clanging in your brain, like some random code deciphered unconsciously with absolutely zero effort.