You Speak

You Speak

You speak
of me
as one
who took
from you--
         and so I did,
                   but took as one
                   who takes with wonder
                   freely from a frank
                   and generous hand.

You speak
of me
as one
that you
must fear--
         and so you must,
                   for so a friend
                   will fear the loss
                   of one who dares,
                   despite the weight of earth,
                   to cherish and to love.

You speak
of me
as one
who preys
with words
on those
whose warmth invites--
         and so I do,
                   but preys as will
                   a wandering pet
                   who for a time enjoys
                   the fallen table scraps,
                   then, scorned and scolded,
                   is firmly nudged,
                   bewildered, out the door.