Hide and Seek - a Rhyming Pique at Things Oblique

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few,
And let those few be well tried
before you give them your confidence.
True friendship is a plant of slow growth,
and must undergo and withstand
the shocks of adversity
before it is entitled to the appellation.
(George Washington, 1732-1799)

I must admire your technique!
You hide or seek or take a peek,
And yet I hear the words you speak.

Ideals like destiny and fate
Have caused your heart to hesitate.
But wait! Perhaps it's not too late!

Alas, you've chosen to withdraw,
To set your face and lock your jaw,
Although soon comes the great spring thaw.

It's time to toss away that doubt,
To loose the binds and cast them out.
A new day dawns, so come on out!

A shiny glimmer crystal ball
Sheds just a shimmer, then a fall,
Enduring never, not at all.

You say you're idle, in a shell,
As if the world outside can't tell.
But it's a self-made prison cell.

The wolf, he howls outside your door.
He beckons you to blood and gore,
The ever-present carnivore.

The sharpest fangs that drip with dread,
Of those who'd keep you underfed
Can never harm you, sleepyhead.

For forces strong are standing near,
These multitudes, you cannot hear.
True trust can banish all your fear.

The dragon hovers, like a snake.
He hopes your soul to overtake.
And yet, you pray for Heaven's sake.

Somehow, you sense the answer deep,
As predators behind you creep.
Perhaps you sense it, as you weep.

For you are worthy of so much,
Although you crave the Master's touch.
For faith is never just a crutch.

There's no deposit, no return,
For folks like us have yet to learn
That grace and love we cannot earn.

An open heart can grab the Gift
That mends and fixes every rift
With everlasting mercy's lift.

Again, I treasure your technique,
Although it be a bit oblique
And wonder what it is you seek.