How do I identify my betrayers?
Do their scarlet roses wilt in shame,
Do their knives shine from too-recent cleaning,
Do they flaunt their triumph when I show my pain?
Are they taller, smaller, fatter, thinner
Than the people who stayed true to me,
Do they speak a similar or different language
Enriched with vitriol or flattery?
Do their lies lie easily upon their conscience,
Does their vicious slander ever spoil their sleep,
Do they even trouble to remember
All their murky secrets that I know and keep?
Do I seek redress by exacting vengeance,
Do I rise above it all, calm and bold,
Always bearing in mind that retribution
Is a dish that is tastier when served cold?