Give and Take

And let me say that I have seen older people
Circling the young like hungry vampires,
Desperate to swoop in and suck the life
Out of what seems like a bottomless well.

Yet there are others who instead offer
Cupped hands full of gifts such as
Wisdom, kindness, encouragement,
Humorous tales, gentle guidance.

Be wary of the beckoning glance.
Look askance at the free cocktail.
Shy away from the hollow laughter.
You are juicy prey to be hunted.

Stand firm in your place in time.
Walk your pace, your chosen path.
Pluck the fruit, eschew the fallow.
Empty souls are life's vacuum.