by Lucy E. Zahnle

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2011

Give and Take

A tree that takes sweet Nature's food with greed
And refuses to give something in return,
Producing neither flower, fruit, nor seed,
Will then by Nature's patient love be spurned.

Derelict, the tree will wither soon and die,
Leaving nothing of worth to celebrate.
So too will Fate pay those who cheat and lie,
Who, ever taking, fail to compensate.

Accepting a friend's kindness in proud style,
Tearing from the giver's hands favors small and great
Without a grateful gesture or warm smile,
Leads friends to scorn you; neighbors hate.

Give as well as take if you would be
Remembered by your loved ones tenderly.

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