Enemies

Good friends are counted on the tender digits of your own two hands.

But enemies? Ah, enemies.
Savor the rich aroma of animosity,
brewing the elixer you drink right down;
gather the grounds to percolate another pot.

Keep your eyes behind your back,
hindsight to catch the random back stab,
thrust and parry is an elegant game;
counter what they think with what you know

For knowledge can be a terrible tool.

And pity the fool who makes enemies friends.
I've seen it happen again and again, glib words
mistaken for honesty while revenge cools, awaiting
a more convenient time, aging a too fine wine
to vinegar housed in a beautiful cask, the bitterness
hidden for a time behind an actor's mask.

I keep my friends close, my enemies closer;
fenced in as proof against tomorrow,

As I make new enemies with every passing day.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/ninelivesandmore/blog#ixzz0vk8oZAxU