Trust

From the very moment

you take that first breath,

one must deal with trust

until the day of your death.

A most precious thing

you give to another,

it’s something you learn

that starts with your Mother.

It was easy to learn

as an infant without choice,

when you needed food

Mother answered your voice.

The first person found

you could give your trust,

surely would be her

there from dawn to dusk.

It’s an honor bestowed

when someone gives theirs,

but a risky business

for the soul it bares.

As time goes by

you get wiser and older,

your trust is more valued

you become less bolder.

How do you judge

by what do you gauge,

whether they’ll be worthy

or betray you with rage.

The first time betrayed

you’re saddened with pain,

when someone misused it

and left it with stain.

Never again can it

be open and free,

you must cautiously guard

from another S. O. B.

There’s little doubt

it’s no easy task,

but one worthy of trust

is one your know will last.

So what’s the answer

how do you choose,

who can you count on

with whom will you lose.

As mysterious as a soul

as evasive as the heart,

it’s a hazardous trip

but one we all must start.

So go forth my friend

be cautious in your search,

but don’t neglect trust

and retreat to a perch.

The only advice

I can give to you,

when you find one worthy

in return to them be true.

Gary R. Cramer

June 18, 1987