They say… “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,”
But let’s be honest…
Who really wants to sit next to the people plotting their downfall?
Who wants to share air with those who smile in your face,
But sharpen their knives behind your back?
Still…
You got to know who’s against you,
Because not knowing won’t help when your peace is on the line.
So, identify them, yeah, the fake smiles and backhanded compliments,
The ones who only clap when you’re quiet,
But roll their eyes when you rise.
Keep them close,
Not because you like their company,
But because knowing their next move is power.
When you’re aware of their whispers,
You won’t be blindsided by their screams.
When you see their patterns,
You can break free from their traps.
See, when you know who your enemies are,
You know who to watch,
Who to block,
And who to stop.
And don’t get it twisted,
Keeping them close doesn’t mean letting them in.
It means watching from a distance that’s just close enough
To hear their plans but far enough not to get caught in their mess.
Because let’s face it,
Some people don’t hate you for what you did,
They hate you for who you are.
They can’t stand that you’re still standing.
They tried to break you,
Tried to shake you,
But here you are still breathing, still fighting, still rising.
And here’s the truth most won’t tell you –
Your enemies?
They’re your stepping stones.
They push you higher without even realizing it.
Their words cut deep,
But those scars? They remind you you’re a survivor.
Every time they doubt you,
You learn to believe in yourself even more.
Every time they block a door,
You find a window they missed.
They thought they were stopping you,
But really? They were preparing you.
So, don’t fear having enemies,
Fear not knowing who they are.
Because when you know, you’re in control.
When you know, you decide the next move.
And while they’re busy talking,
You’re out here doing.
Let them watch.
Let them whisper.
Let them wait.
Because while they plot your downfall,
You’ll be building your legacy.
So, next time you feel the weight of their jealousy,
Smile.
Not because it doesn’t hurt,
But because you know their hate is just a sign
That you’re already ahead.
And remember ,
Enemies aren’t the end of your story.
They’re just the beginning of your next chapter.
Keep going.
Keep growing.
And let their hate become the fuel for your greatness.
(99+)Walking Shadow Poetry Kenya (@walkingshadowpoetry) | TikTok
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