Beware the Tenderness

Beware the tenderness of anyone’s toes Especially that of your friends and foes, For pain, they say, is its own reward Can be magnified with additional woes. Carefully measure your daily deplored Consider exactly what you can afford, Wise to keep in mind the old, old saying A pen is mightier than the sharpest sword. Eschew the obnoxious mouthy braying Think about those words you are saying, Not easily embracing mundane compliance Your time better spent in earnest praying. Be skeptical of those who seek alliance For they have capacity to offer defiance, For your actions they do not think right When you are seeking a friendly reliance. Be aware, my friend, of every slight Keep both friends and enemies in sight, And walk your own paths in caution Especially when strolling in darkest night. HONORABLE MENTION Revised and Edited May 14, 2022 submitted to "Rubaiyat Contest" Poetry Contest sponsored by Sotto Poet [a Rubaiyat has a specific rhyme scheme, but it does not require a specific line syllable count.]