These Are My JOTtings...

Free Advice

The person said before jaw dropped,
"I'll give advice that's free!"
The words I heard and heart was stopped
as counsel wounded me.

Sometimes I've been the one to "help"
and now my friend's no more.
I've wet myself as little whelp
on back upon the floor.

It's hard to know how free to be
with words correcting aught
For who is perfect all to see
that others may be taught?

To march in right to other's place
to give your free advice
Be sure the gift will not disgrace,
nor friendship lightly dice.

For free advice is rarely free
among the ones we love.
'Tis better hold thy peace than be
the one, who has to move.

by Jay O'Toole
on March 21st, 2018