Loaning a Friend Money

Advice from my dad, "Don't loan money to friends," After years of experience, answer depends, But the gains that you dream of are feathers that that blow, And collecting is hard from somebody you know! Your friends often see money loaned as a gift, Even though at the time it's a much need lift. So the need for repayment is always in doubt, For, in fact, you're a friend, who's just helping them out! If friend is important, then take Dad's advice, Though in truth, losing friend like that's not sacrifice, But perhaps their temptation you'd skip if you can, Given possible out, might they still stay a man? "Gift" others "pay forward" is lesson I've learned, For there's no expectation to see "gift" returned, Your friend promises simply to do what you've done, On his honor (no guilt, that's imposed with a gun.) And "giving" this way is no sacrifice too, Can you even count others who've given to you, Say the personal mentor who stands out and yet, You remember the last time you thought of that debt? Long Tooth July 23, 2017