Let me begin to explain to you
When I warn you of pitfalls
It is not so that I can trick you
To swoop like a raptorial bird
And win what is rightfully yours.
It is to ever so gently remind you
That I, as you, have walked this path
And fallen. Many times over.
You ask of me a sacrifice
in the name of honour and friendship
It is not an apple or loaf of bread
that you desire, my friend
That, I’d gladly and willfully forfeit
I shall not eat, nor you
We shall starve, the two of us and
bards of the future will pen
odes to the strength
of our friendship
(Or barbs at our follies)
The object of your passion
has its own passions
It lives and breathes and chooses
And bats its scalpel eyes
I have no will over it
How can I give that which is not mine?
Harm, I do not wish you
But I must deny you
You mistake it for treason
How can I with you reason
Be forewarned
It is not I, who lashes the welt
It is your heart that fills you
with promise and burning rage
Do not steer by its venomous voice
Lose your passions and heed me
May cooler and dare I hope
saner heads prevail
