Disillusioned Friendship

Once, there was a time

When I didn't know what friendship was

Or what it meant to be a friend

I believed that people are inherently good

That all treat all with a steadfast permanence of character

Governed by the laws of the golden rule

I believed that being a friend meant

Give all and take nothing;

Let others take and take

I learned, unfortunately, once,

That when people are allowed to take and take,

Eventually the abundant well of my will dries and cracks

Leaving me crawling, dry mouthed and shriveled

To die in someone's greedy hot thirst

That relentlessly takes and takes.