Reciprocity

Reciprocity—
It’s only fair, of course.
Isn’t that a give-and-take,
no-grain-of-salt
non-relationship?

Life is often unfair
and totally unaware
or it feels that way.

Things are never
what they seem.
It’s expected of you
but not for you.

Use and abuse
lead to a sense
of inadequacy
and self-doubt.

Uneven exchanges
cause mild resentment
in the mutual admiration
and pat-on-the-back society.