Easy Friends and Hard Won Enemies: A Proverb

Making enemies requires effort.
Slack and rude won’t accomplish it.
These are anticipated and
Not nearly despicable.

You must listen…carefully.
Respond.  Look at whom you
Address.  Give them the benefit
Then give it again.

Play.  Wrestle.  Don’t mention
A good deed you did.  Dress
In honesty.  Delight in Peace.
Expand space.  Build a bridge.

Persist!  The betrayers will arrive.
They will despise, and you will
Be dismissed.  Clenched, their
Face will form a fist.  But

Making friends is a cinch!  Find
One who is equally chafed by
Your enemy.  Together, take aim,
…Steady…Fast you will remain.

Of course, that friend is like honey
That turns bitter in the belly.
A true friend will always be
Your potential hard won enemy.