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.