Beware of Strings

I used to think that he was my friend. Perhaps such an idea was handed down from a prior generation of my family. Or perhaps a bit of my personal experiences warranted such a novel trust in a guy like Sam. * In an encounter with Sam, I learned something of great value. While in need of a very basic resource, everyone that I turned to recommended Sam as if he was a bright and shining amour for any and all; someone who would come to one's rescue when under life's duress. So, I took the advice of a close friend who could not help me himself but recommended Sam. I turned to Sam and found him to be rather friendly and eager to help. However, I quickly learned that all of Sam's assistance came with symbols which he gave to anyone that he was about to help. Sam's symbol for me was a large empty tin pan whose contents were invisible, but it symbolized my request. There were also lots of strings attached and hanging from the tin pan to which Sam made little to no reference. Being very inquisitive, I questioned Sam about the strings, whereupon he admitted that the strings were rather vague. Moreover, he said, "The strings come with the tin pan. No pan, no strings, no aid". I smiled at Sam and said, "Thanks, but no thanks. If your aid comes with strings like that, you may keep the aid and the strings. I'll be all right". Although I did not receive any material assistance from Sam, I learned a most valued lesson. I learned to 'Beware of things that come with attachments of strings'. 080322PSCtest, A Brian Strand Premiere Choice Poetry Contest *Fiction. (Sam represents any person, entity or government seeking the control of our lives).