Tears of Gold

I see you reading this

Waiting like a snake in the dark

To strike at me

With your biting teeth

To use my words against me

To twist them into falsehoods

You've betrayed me

You've slandered me

And those I love

You are no one to me anymore

But still

I mourn your loss all the same

Tears dry on my cheeks

And turn to gold

What can I buy with this gold?

Surely not a better personality for you

So you don't betray anyone else with your selfishness

Surely not a bit of common sense for me

So I never fall into the same traps again

No, I can't buy anything with this gold

It graces my mantle for now

Makes this winter day seem warmer

Because it reminds me of who I am

I am like that gold

I was formed in the same manner it was

Forged by extreme heat, pain

Boiling anger at injustice

Made dazzling when the rage has cooled

This pain you've inflicted

Has only made me more valuable

I am now a better friend

To those deserving

Because I've seen what harm

False friendship causes

And I never want to inflict that pain

Upon anyone else

So, what will I do with all this gold?

It's not the type of gold that can be spent

Businesses don't want it

Because it's a metaphor

It's the type that can only be given

With no expectation of return

Because it is friendship

Real friendship

Not a charade to get something

From someone who cares about you

And already gives you all they have

Not manipulation to use or abuse

Those who have given only love

Even as you have shown indifference

So, I'll wrap it up in pretty bows

Send it out on wings of loyalty

And love

And authenticity

And give it to my real friends

As a Christmas gift

And this year

You won't be receiving any