The Separation of Friends

“A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer 
separates intimate friends.”  Proverbs 16:28

“It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.”  Confucius

My mind’s intrigued with fickle people concerned only with the direction of the winds of gossip. They blow this way and that, regardless of the benefit given by myself. I’m wary of this crowd, of the hearty followers, of the “humble” acquaintances in my life, for those by my side in friendship today are at my throat, without hesitation, tomorrow. All that’s required for this shift from friend to foe is discomfort in their lives. Whether financial, physical, or social unrest, it gives them impetus to turn the trust into a sword and cut without mercy. “He deserves it because….” – this is the mantra that sears their conscience.

They’re masters in this game, the game of turning the opinions of those around me to their benefit. It’s no disgrace this art of war, but it bears repeating that those closest to me, those I help the most, will grow to hate me, if for no other reason than I have and they have not. Despising that they asked for my help, or owe me something, or just hate that I excel in some way, they desire to quench their envy and jealousy by disposing the one to whom they are so envious or indebted. These master players will be burned by their own hand and it won’t be long after starting many fires that they’ll make a mistake and corner themselves with the flames. As for me, I learn to encourage myself, and with this one thing I’ll rise above the petty crowd – after all the hate shown towards me, I’ll still be good to people and serve my friends and leaders with undying loyalty.

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The Life Of A Wave – Earth, Air, Fire, Water interacting

“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

 

Coerced from my sleep

Way, way down deep

Titans of earthen pallor incessantly push another element


Barely appearing in my journey

I can’t be seen clearly

Wild winds whip and angrily push another element


Orange temper far below

Angry kicks not softening the blow

Molten flames melt resistance pushing on another element.


Tired of being treated so

I rise up and with thunderous roar

White water crashing the pushing epitaph of another element

The Life Of A Wave – Earth, Air, Fire, Water interacting

“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

 

Coerced from my sleep

Way, way down deep

Titans of earthen pallor incessantly push another element


Barely appearing in my journey

I can’t be seen clearly

Wild winds whip and angrily push another element


Orange temper far below

Angry kicks not softening the blow

Molten flames melt resistance pushing on another element.


Tired of being treated so

I rise up and with thunderous roar

White water crashing the pushing epitaph of another element