Loyalty

Loyalty…a bond, a belonging,

An unyielding, impenetrable tie

That binds us together forever -

A link between you and I.

A mutual understanding

That cements us together as one,

A coming together of interests

That should last 'til life is done.

But, the path of blind fidelity -

Is it the best route to follow?

For your lyrical, inspiring words

May be self-serving and hollow,

Concealing your selfish agenda

While allaying my suspicions

Of what your true motivation is

As you lead me on to perdition.

Fealty and faithfulness, blind

Allegiance and well-nurtured hope

Can lead the naive believer

Over the edge of a slippery slope.

Faith is much too precious a gift

To be so easily tendered,

Offered to the facile-tongued,

Greedy for such surrender.

Distasteful as it may be to some,

Loyalty must be guardedly offered,

Not given from a sense of duty

Or otherwise easily proffered,

Lest we come to realize one day,

As we waken with a sickening shock,

That we'd been assisting the wolf

As he gathered in our flock.