The Judgment Cost

How sad to see a friendship lost on judgments made which bear the cost

Of taking in the heartfelt rend when patterned seeds break soil by trend.

So much is changed by opines blazed without compassion by effort lazed

When so much more could gain the way, if willing hearts could win the day,

But tough it is the scene to change when convinced of character prearranged

When reality formed by thoughts in storm moves hard upon the changeless norm.

And learning from such witless guile seems farther than a legless mile.

Can two along stride slow and strong, when neither hears the other’s song

Of knowing each has changed in life, despite the hurt from judgment’s strife.

Can both be right and both be wrong, to look at each inside too long?

For seeing there one’s self laid bare, is the judgment cost of looking there.

For what we are is who we see yet reflected back so blindingly

That we can only grieve over friendships lost from judgments made not worth the cost.

© Max Richey 2006 All Rights Reserved