Nobody told me
that you breed compassion
from humility.
I thought it was born from
other people’s imaginary insight
into the troubles of your poor, difficult life.
Nobody told me
that your grow love
from love and labour. I thought
it was bred from gifts and baubles,
and nice dinners
that you couldn’t quite afford.
Nobody told me
that connection is not always
evolution or solution or eternal.
I thought once you’re friends,
you’re friends, and that was it.
So I had to tell myself.