After a while you learn,

Which secrets to keep and which to tell.

You learn some do damage and others

Well, others do less.

Both groups restricting my vocabulary,

You learn not everything must be told.

You learn loopholes,

How to get around uncomfortable topics.

Questions I’m unsure how to answer

His eyes can tell I know something, but

I lie.

To protect myself. My secrets.

You learn the difference between white lies

And colorful ones.

You learn red ones draw blood

And when green meets blue,

Hatred is born.

You learn who to lie to,

And who to trust.

Trust can be broken.

You learn allies become enemies quicker than you can count to ten.

Enemies who know your secrets.

Blackmail becomes a six-letter word but,

I still have trouble with spelling.

You see, spelling is tricky when words shapeshift.

Encouragement from an ally morphs into bullets shooting out of the enemy’s mouth.

You learn which shots to take

And which to take cover from. 

You learn sometimes words and weapons have no difference.

You learn some wounds heal slower 

And you can’t always fight fire with fire. 

You learn people's ways

And their weaknesses.

You learn how to help others 

And how to hurt them.

You learn what to say and when

With every word, you learn.