I find myself
Caught between
Honesty
And good manners.
If I side with honesty
I will hurt someone
Very badly
And then add guilt
To the burden
I carry;
But if I retain
My good manners
I will continue
To grit my teeth
Behind a pained smile
And muttered platitudes.
I am not someone
Who can speak her mind
With no regret
Or concern
For the feelings
Of others,
For I hate
To inflict pain
On anyone;
But is it right
That I endure
Extreme discomfort
In the name
Of friendship,
Even one
As old as ours?