People who constantly bite at you are the pits

For wherever and whomever they are - they fit

Nowhere into the comfortable arena where you sit

As you prepare your deep and thoughtful bits



Of speculation and introversion which sounds

Sometimes as though you've been beaten around

The head with sticks and bricks and mounds

Of earth which people do sometimes surround



You with, as they try to bury you into ground

So they no longer have to deal with your proud

Boastful ways of standing up for self and stating

You have worth too ... and it is not ever abating



So play your silly games and taunt with jibes

There is much value in the torment you provide

For it causes a man to think about real value

Of friends who truly do not need to maul you



For they get almost all they need by just knowing

You will always be there for them, and bestowing

The goodness which you have in abundance to return

So they can build on these good vibes and learn



So much more about you thru interpersonal exchanges

For they've taken the time to know distant strangers

And using that knowledege gained - they have conferred

Great strength both on you and themselves as they heard



The warmth you utter as you share yourself with them

And none of the prickly things come into the blend

For they've gotten used to the sometimes witty banter

Thus they've melded with you and see you as a true Santa.



- Tristram