The Kindness of Men

All of the wrongs we have done to each other, We will overlook... W's lawsuit against my church, because they will not permit him to smoke there, My interminable and intolerable lateness, J's calling me, 'pathetic', MY frustration with W's 'INCORRECT' political opinions, W's insults, via text message, MY chauvinism about my religion... J's unpleasant, unfriendly criticism... ALL these, we will overlook... And give each other a good ribbing! It was my birthday 3 days ago, and W buys me breakfast, And J gives me a birthday gift, And we all decide to like each other again -- That is, as long as I am willing to take A proper beating at chess... THREE TIMES! And it's all good! All of the wrongs, we don't mention them. Except, I squeeze W's shoulder, when I come up, and gently remind him That we agreed to meet on Saturday... (They called me today, impatient -- it's Friday -- to say, they are WAITING for me) And "...oh, did I say SATURDAY?" W asks, wryly, and we all laugh, And it's all good! We have forgotten the arguments. I ask for the family news, and it's all good! You see, each of us knows, You cannot replace ONE Friendship, with BEING RIGHT. So, each of us silently admits to himself That he was wrong, And we smile, and it's all good! And THAT'S the Kindness of Men.