Loyalty

You never see it anymore.

Am I that much of a throwback?

When I was younger, I even refused to go work for a competitor when a dear friend of mine laid me off after five years with a glowing recommendation.

Because of loyalty.

I'm honest with people, even though that honesty could (and has been known to) get me in trouble.

Because of loyalty.

Am I insane, or is it the Asperger's?

I don't tolerate change well, but I do tolerate it, because I'm forced to.

Unfortunately, I expect the same loyalty and honesty from others.

I have to stop that.

People simply aren't loyal or honest anymore.

But who am I kidding?

I won't.

I'm too loyal.

I'm too honest.

So I'll stay me, even as some people twist the knife they've thrust in my heart as others quietly slip another one in my back.

                       •

I've been beaten, stabbed, shot at, and left for dead.
I've been hungry, cold, homeless, and lost my head.
I've been spit on, walked on, stomped on, and I've gone on.
I've sustained, remained, maintained, and I will again.