The Shallowman has friends
he counts as assets,
for favors he might need
from time to time.
He lists their skills and
contacts in his busy greedy mind.
He’ll call them when he needs them
when next he’s in a bind.
The Shallowman is jovial and great fun.
With tales, and yarns
he’ll entertain the crowd
Backslapping, and backstabbing
he’ll amuse and castigate all round
They’ll laugh,
but not laugh with him.
The Shallowman can’t read their hollow sound.
The Shallowman is lonely at the end
for all the hale and hearty cheer is false.
the friends when stripped of favours
don’t deserve a second thought
the Shallowman can’t see their worth
when they’ve nothing more to offer only friendship
and friendship by itself can’t satisfy
his lonely shallow want.
MARTIN SWORDS, JUNE 1999
Martin Swords
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-shallowman/
