The evolution of our lives unfolds

And as it does so, and we get old

We realize there is nothing more

Important than the people of yore



The hearts and souls we've touched

Along with the beauty which was much

More alive when we were years younger

Amid sweetness we tasted, and hunger



Which caused us to do deeds rash

And then things went out with trash

As we said goodbye to some and met 

New friends, some through the Net



And then we had friends all around

Until we realized they did sound

Out feelings about us to others

And got feedback which smothered



Their good vibes in assumptions

Made by others with more gumption

Which they used to assail honor

And thus friends became goners



It would be wonderful to see

A universe so full of glee

In which people did not talk

About others and thus stalk



Your good name and persona

In the mud as they dishonor

You with all of their trash

Which they make up in a dash



For they've not taken the time

To know you and thus acclaim

The goodness which does abound

For they've not been around



You - long enough to understand

All you have - so much in hand

And this makes them at a loss

So they brand you and then toss



You to the wolves for a meal

So that then they can feel

They've accomplished a feat

And turned you into meat ...



- Tristram