Once upon a time
I cared more about  people
And was genuinely interested
In what went on
In their lives;
But in recent years
I've grown so protective
With my love
I don't reach out
Like I once did
And keep to myself
Like an emotional hermit.
Now I learn when its too late
Of friends in need
Of comforting words
And verbal or tactile hugs,
Those very things
I once gave so freely
And almost without thought.
These times leave me feeling
Small, insignificant,
And most of all,
Ashamed of my selfishness,
For how can I expect to have friends
If I fail to offer friendship?