Poem: Fake Mike, Part 1 — Breaking Hearts and Into Bank Accounts

The lonely heart is a hungry old hunter,
It wanders at night and it wonders and wonders.
For years we were married, then suddenly—poof!
A spouse disappears—by divorce… or by death.

You planned a whole lifetime with someone beside you,
Then life changed its mind and politely denied you.
So here you are single, with memories sweet,
And an echoing chair where two used to meet.

You miss the warm chatter, the touch, and the tease,
The closeness, the comfort, the physical ease.
And soon comes the question that circles your brain:
Will love ever find me… or is that all gone?

You don’t meet them at markets or rings at your door,
So you wander online—what could happen? What more?
A profile appears with a smile so sincere,
And suddenly Mike is remarkably near.

He writes you good morning! He calls you dear friend!
He listens and praises and asks how you’ve been.
He says all the right things at just the right pace,
And mirrors your words like a soft, friendly face.

He’s charming. He’s gentle. He’s widowed like you.
(What a coincidence! Isn’t that true?)
He’s working overseas—or deployed, or afar—
But his heart, he assures you, is right where you are.

And oh how he listens, this wonderful Mike,
Your stories, your worries, the things that you like.
He never gets tired. He’s patient and kind.
He seems almost tailored to fit your own mind.

Then one day comes trouble—an issue, a bind.
A business delay! A bank left behind!
Just something quite small—just a loan, just a bridge—
Just help me a bit while I straighten this ridge.

You hesitate briefly… then send what you can,
Because love helps love—that’s the natural plan.
And once you say yes, the requests start to grow,
Like weeds in a garden you didn’t yet know.

For Fake Mike is fishing with practiced old skill,
He tugs on your heartstrings, not strength—but your will.
And long before money, before wires are sent,
He’s stolen your trust… and your hope… and your bent.

So pause here, dear reader, before Part Two starts,
Protect both your bank book and vulnerable heart.
For love doesn’t rush you or hide in the dark—
Real people don’t ask you to fund their life spark.

(To be continued…)

Let’s Chat:

Have you encountered a dating scam? How did you handle the situation? How long did it take you to recognize the true nature of the encounter? What clues should women look out for?