When Their Taking Is My Giving
Where friendship is given it is
Recieved, a simple trade.
An even trade is not taking
But a hand off: even, fair.
Like friendship.
A generosity is not the same, it is extra,
A gift without reciprocation
Not asked for, perhaps needed,
But no need for acknowledgement.
A sign of friendship, not required.
So what when you feel the pull
Of taking and giving through peers, friends
Stretched thin, stating this is not generosity,
Why don't I feel the reciprocation,
My half of the trade done settled,
My time wasted, without recognition,
My ear engulfed in the misery of others,
My voice cut by their departure, negligence,
Friends have their say, loud and clear, but
I am left to imagine their response to
My concerns, fears, despairs,
I wonder for the gift of empathy,
But I can only conjure pity in
My mind from their mouths,
It is short-lived, it dies at the
Birth of their request.
I feel like a friendless friend
When their taking is my giving.